Grangemouth man hid in garden in doomed bid to save relationship with ex

Andrew Dewar, 52, of 90 Almond Street, also grabbed the woman’s arm to stop her calling her daughter when he turned up at her home unannounced.

Dewar appeared in court having admitted attending a Bainsford property uninvited, entering and refusing to leave when requested to do so by his ex and preventing the woman from making a phone call on August 30, 2020.

He also visited the home of the woman’s daughter uninvited, looked in the windows and concealed himself in the garden in an attempt to make contact with the woman, knowing it was not wanted.

Last Thursday, procurator fiscal depute Amy Sneddon told Falkirk Sheriff Court Dewar’s ex-fiancée opened her front door after hearing the bell ring.

He placed his foot within the property to stop the door closing.

The fiscal depute said: “He stated he wanted to talk. The accused then pushed past the witness and made his way upstairs. She shouted at him, telling him he needed to leave.

“The witness made her way up the stairs to retrieve her phone.

“He asked her who she was phoning, and he grabbed her arm in an attempt to prevent her from making the call.

“A friend of the complainer drew up outside and sounded the horn as they had a pre-arranged dinner appointment.

“This caused the accused to leave at around 9pm. The complainer was taken to her daughter’s home address after she’d been out in an effort to make her feel more safe.”

The court was told the woman’s daughter and her partner temporarily left the address to collect their car from a nearby car park.

The pair then spotted Dewar “nearby within his vehicle”.

The fiscal depute continued: “Upon arriving back at the property, the accused was seen hiding around the corner within the rear communal garden.

“Her daughter’s partner asked the accused, ‘What are you doing?’ Why are you here?’

“He stated he wanted to speak to the complainer. Police were called, and inquiries were made to trace the accused.”Th court was told he was traced to his workplace where he was cautioned and charged. He made no reply.

Defence solicitor William McIntyre said his client pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Sheriff Derek Livingston commented: “He pleaded guilty for this offence, was released and then committed a similar offence.”

Dewar’s solicitor told Sheriff Livingston the secondary offence took place in November, adding: “A non-harassment order was imposed on November 19 and he has complied with that.

“They were in a relationship and engaged to be married. She discovered an allegation about money and broke off the relationship. This was my client’s attempt to save the relationship.”

Addressing Dewar, Sheriff Livingston said: “I consider your behaviour was highly controlling and unacceptable.”

Dewar was placed under supervision for two years and ordered to attend The Caledonian System domestic abuse programme as an alternative to custody.

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