A man who throttled his wife after she asked for a divorce is facing jail. Jasim Al-Hassan, 36, pinned terrified Rasha to the floor of their home in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, as their marriage broke down.
He wrapped his hands around her neck and strangled her during the attack in October 2023. An investigation revealed Al-Hassan had sent her abusive texts and promised to make her 'see stars in the middle of the day'. In another message he told her that he would make her 'cry for the rest of her life'.
Conviction at Hamilton Sheriff Court
Al-Hassan denied any wrongdoing and went on trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court but a jury convicted him of assault to injury and threatening or abusive behaviour. The court heard unemployed Al-Hassan now holds UK citizenship and had worked as a chef when he first arrived in the country.
In evidence, Al-Hassan, who trained as a lawyer in Syria, repeatedly told the jury he had done nothing wrong. He said: "I did write those texts but I did not commit any violence. I abide by the law. I'm telling you the truth, I have done nothing wrong in Syria or in this country."
Prosecutor's account
Depute fiscal Lewis Devoy said: "She had asked him for a divorce but then described him becoming angry and shouting at her loudly and put his hand over her mouth and told her not to say a word. He then grabbed her and choked her." She was begging him for a divorce but he said he would ruin her whole world. "Why would she lie?"
Sheriff John Speir deferred sentence on Al-Hassan until November for reports and continued bail. Prosecutors have asked for a non-harassment order banning Al-Hassan from contacting his wife to be imposed.
