A St Andrews University lecturer has walked free from court after allegations he subjected his wife to a three-year campaign of abuse were deemed not proven.
Divinity tutor Oliver Langworthy went on trial at Dundee Sheriff Court accused of engaging in an abusive course of behaviour against wife Rebecca, between July 1 2019 and February 26 2021.
The 34-year-old denied making derogatory remarks, threatening suicide if she left him, humiliating and isolating her and preventing her from meeting family and friends.
It had been alleged he set a restricting parenting schedule, undermined her parenting skills and shouted, swore and punched a table in an aggressive manner.
After three days of evidence, the case against Langworthy, of School Green, Anstruther, was found not proven.
Sheriff George Way said: “This has been a very sad and tragic case.”
He added he had “considerable doubt” about the Crown’s evidence.
Evidence was not corroborated
Mrs Langworthy told the trial she had PSTD, claiming it was as a result of her husband’s “erratic” behaviour.
Solicitor Jim Laverty, defending, said: “Mr Langworthy was trying to offer his wife as much support as he could but everything he did has been slanted towards him being abusive.”
Mr Langworthy is a lecturer and researcher in the divinity faculty for the University of St Andrews.
He is also listed as an academic editor for the St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology.
The trial heard that the pair, now living separately, have been married for nine years.
