Falkirk man with ten domestic abuse convictions is jailed

A brute who has amassed ten domestic abuse convictions and breached 24 court orders has been locked up.
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William Reid (50), Flat 1-4 Castings Hostel, Castings Avenue, Falkirk, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last week after he twice broke a non-harassment order by contacting a woman he’d previously attacked.

The court heard Reid served jail time following the assault on the woman, which took place in Falkirk on May 5, 2019.

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He then breached two court orders following his release by approaching the woman again on October 10 this year and was found by police in a bed at her home.

William Reid was jailed following his appearance at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday. Picture: Michael Gillen.William Reid was jailed following his appearance at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday. Picture: Michael Gillen.
William Reid was jailed following his appearance at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Detailing the original assault, procurator fiscal depute Kristina Kelly said: “The complainer was within her home with her children when the accused attended.

“At the time he wasn’t drunk, but had a bottle of Buckfast with him.

“The accused began to consume the bottle and began to murmur. He was asked to leave but didn’t.

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“The woman has then pretended to call the police. The accused leaned over her and attempted to grab her phone.

“He has then assaulted her by punching her several times to both sides of her head with both his fists.

“She has then made offers to leave the locus and police were contacted. She had a small area of bruising on her chin and lumps to the head.”

Defence solicitor, John Mulholland, said his client, who has been out of custody since June, had pleaded guilty to the offences at the earliest opportunity.

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Mr Mulholland also told Sheriff Derek Livingston how the woman’s “children are very fond of him and get distressed when he’s taken away”.

Sheriff Livingston said: “He has ten domestic convictions.

“He hasn’t helped himself as he has complete disregard for the court orders – he breached 24 orders.

“His complete lack of insight and respect for court orders is unacceptable.”

Addressing Reid, Sheriff Livingston added: “You’ve got a history of violence, breaching orders and domestic offending.”

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Reid was imprisoned for 11 months and made subject to a three-year non-harassment order, during which time he must not contact or attempt to contact the woman.

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