A jealous father choked his former partner and threatened to set her on fire after their relationship ended. Scott McGarry, 36, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week and admitted a course of abusive conduct against the woman.
Abuse began after separation
The couple had four children and separated in May 2024 after 13 years together. The woman stayed at their home in Lanrigg View, Stonehouse, while McGarry moved in with a relative in Dumbarton. Their separation was 'fairly amicable' until Boxing Day 2024, when she told him she was seeing someone else.
Prosecutor Neil Thomson said she then received threats and abuse via phone calls and texts on a regular basis. On one occasion, McGarry seized her by the throat in the front garden of his home in Dumbarton and threw her to the ground.
Violent incidents detailed
'While she was on the ground he continued to compress her neck and she experienced breathing difficulties,' Thomson told the court. McGarry's brother intervened and dragged him off her. Later, relatives noticed bruising on her neck and scratches on her back.
On another occasion, McGarry caused her to stop as she drove away from his home. He grabbed the keys from the ignition and threw them into bushes. She found them and drove off, but he followed and made her pull into a filling station car park on the A82, where he shouted and swore at her.
Threats and arrest
In February last year, the woman met McGarry in Clydebank regarding a family matter, and he became aggressive, threatening to slash her car tyres. Messages continued, including threats that another woman would 'give her a doing'. McGarry warned his ex that his behaviour would go on 'until such time as you can't take any more and commit suicide'.
On March 9 last year, while she was with her sister and mother, McGarry phoned and became abusive, warning he was going to set her on fire and bite her nose off. The call was recorded, and the threats prompted her to contact police.
Court outcome
Defence lawyer Craig Dewar said McGarry has been on bail since an initial court appearance in April last year, with conditions not to contact his ex. Dewar stressed: 'He has complied with that order and there have been no issues. I have a letter from his employer who regards him as a valued worker.'
Sheriff Michael Higgins told McGarry: 'This is a very serious matter. Your conduct is very troubling.' Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment. The sheriff is considering a 'very lengthy' non-harassment order.
