An abusive boyfriend forced his partner to buy drugs for him, leaving her so impoverished she was forced to use foodbanks.
John Simpson spent almost a year controlling the woman, including keeping hold of her bank card and keys, phoning her constantly while she was with friends and demanding she return home.
The 29-year-old also threatened to petrol bomb the homes of her friends and family.
Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard the woman was “terrified” of Simpson and the relationship has now ended.
Psychological abuse begins
Fiscal depute Lora Apostolova said the woman and Simpson moved into a council house in Glenrothes in August 2021.
Ms Apostolova said: “Following this, the accused became controlling and abusive towards the complainer and she was terrified of him.
“After moving into the address the accused began exerting control over the complainer and became abusive towards her.
“The complainer would regularly misplace her keys, bank card and would leave the cooker on.
“Therefore, the accused retained the bank card, keys, bus pass and other items.
“He took over the cooking.
“The complainer did not have an issue with it at the time, believing the accused was helping her.”
Victim forced to use foodbanks
However, friends noticed the woman was required to ask for the card whenever she required money and Simpson would talk her out of some purchases.
“On numerous occasions her friend observed the accused being verbally abusive towards the complainer, telling her she belonged to him and calling her derogatory names” continued Ms Apostolova.
“The complainer also lost contact with family members during the relationship due to his behaviour, including her mother.
“Her mother witnessed occasions where the accused demanded money from the complainer for controlled drugs and would state, ‘I’m needing money for a smoke’.
“This resulted in her struggling financially and using foodbanks.
“If the complainer failed to give the accused money he would obtain drugs on ‘tick’ and she would have to pay at a later date.”
Abuse escalates to threats
Ms Apostolova said in one particularly terrifying incident Simpson threatened harm to her friends and family.
“Throughout the relationship the accused was verbally abusive towards the complainer and would shout and swear at her regularly.
“The accused would utter threats directed at the complainer’s friends and family members, stating he would petrol bomb their houses and it would be her fault if this happened.”
Solicitor Scott Norrie, defending, said Simpson had had a troubled childhood and had “spent the majority of his young life in care”.
He said: “His mother had a drug addiction and passed away some years ago.
“His father is an alcoholic. He was in care until the age of 18.”
He said as a result his client had trouble “keeping his emotions in check”.
Simpson, a prisoner at Low Moss, admitted engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive of his partner at addresses in Glenrothes between August 1 2020 and June 9 2021.
He was jailed for 16 months and a five-year non-harassment order was issued, preventing him contacting the woman.
