Bo'ness dad told ex she was 'dead' in heated texts over access to child

A drunken dad told the mother of his son she was “dead” as he made threats to try to gain access to his child.
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Craig Macmillan, 42 Grangepans, Bo’ness, pleaded guilty to sending messages to his ex that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character between November 22 and 23 last year.

Macmillan appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday after sentencing had been deferred for a report and Caledonian Men's Programme assessment.

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The court heard the 29-year-old made a series of threats towards the woman, who was his partner between 2011 and 2013, during the course of a text conversation.

Craig Macmillan, of Bo'ness, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court after sending threatening messages to his ex. Picture: Michael Gillen.Craig Macmillan, of Bo'ness, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court after sending threatening messages to his ex. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Craig Macmillan, of Bo'ness, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court after sending threatening messages to his ex. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Messages were exchanged for “some time” as Macmillan unleashed a number of abusive remarks.

Relaying the conversation, procurator fiscal depute Kristina Kelly said: “The accused has been threatening towards the complainer, swearing at her and said, ‘I hate you’.

“He calls her a ‘silly wee cow’. The complainer responds and they have some sort of conversation.

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“He states she’s ‘unstable’, calls her a ‘nutter’ and a ‘slag’ and states, ‘You’re dead’.”

Macmillan also sent a message which read: “I know where you stay and I’m going to the social work – I’ll get my son.”

Ms Kelly added: “He makes some admissions he’s consumed alcohol and has little recollection.

“They have a child with complex care needs.”

Lynn Swann, defence solicitor, told Sheriff Christopher Shead her client had pleaded guilty at an intermediate diet.

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Ms Swann also said Macmillan was fit for work and in employment.

She added: “A bail condition allowed for contact through a third party.”

Responding to the solicitor, Sheriff Shead said: “It needs to be emphasised his conduct’s unacceptable.”

Macmillan was made subject to a community payback order during which he’ll be placed on bail with supervision for 18 months.

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He must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.

Sheriff Shead told him: “You’ll also be made subject to a non-harassment order for nine months with a no contact condition with the victim, except for the purpose of arranging childcare or matters that pertain to the welfare of your child.”

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