Abusive Arbroath joiner believed ‘white witch’ girlfriend had cursed him

An Arbroath man sent abusive messages to his ‘white witch’ former partner, believing she had placed a “curse” on him.

David Donaldson, 38, admitted sending voicemails, emails and text messages to his ex-girlfriend over a year-long period in 2020.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard at one point Donaldson believed the self-professed “white witch” had cast a spell on him.

His defence solicitor, Gary McIlravey, said his client had come to terms with his behaviour and was not trying to “victim blame”.

However, he said Donaldson had attributed some of his initial behaviour to a belief magic had been used against him.

“He was involved in a toxic relationship with the woman.

“He is not looking to take part in victim blaming.”

‘White magic curse’

Mr McIlravey continued: “He did speak at first about a curse.

“I think there is a great issue with mental health but at the time he tells me there was a belief in ‘white magic’.

“I believe she practises it.

“He had been made aware of a ‘curse’ which had been cast.

“He took it very seriously at the time – he was told to take ‘counter measures’.

“It seems to have revolved around that.

“He tells me there has been no further contact with the complainer.

“He has been left in a considerable amount of financial debt, with very little contribution from her.

“Again, he is not seeking to victim blame.”

Non-harassment order

Addressing reports prepared in advance of sentencing at the court last week, he said: “The report is not on the greatest of terms.

“There are no previous convictions.

“He explains this is the first time he had been able to put his position forward and was frustrated at how long it took.”

Sheriff Alison Michie, sentencing Donaldson to a community-based order, said: “You plead guilty to an offence which spanned some time involving your former partner.

“The court takes this very seriously.

“You appear here as a first offender – I assume you won’t come back.

“I do take the view this matter is serious and could merit a custodial sentence but I will deal with it with a community payback order.”

Donaldson, of Charles Avenue, Arbroath, admitted sending threatening and abusive messages to his former partner from his address and hers, between January 2020 and 2021.

He was ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work, take part in a domestic abuse education programme and given a non-harassment order relating to his former partner, forbidding him from contacting her for two years.

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