An obsessive husband installed a hidden camera in his house after becoming fixated with the thought of his wife having an affair.
Bruce Wilson used the spycam to keep his partner of 20 years under surveillance, Perth Sheriff Court heard.
The 47-year-old, described as selfish and unwilling to help out around the house, admitted his coercive and controlling behaviour when quizzed by police.
But he whined: “I’m being picked on.”
Wilson, of Allan Street, Blairgowrie, appeared in the dock and admitted engaging in an abusive course of behaviour against his wife between November 1 2021 and November 28 2022.
The court heard he shouted, swore, made offensive and derogatory remarks, slammed doors and accused her of infidelity.
Court papers state he installed a camera at their home “to monitor her movements”.
Wilson also admitted assaulting a police officer while being arrested.
Lockdown life
Fiscal depute Bill Kermode said the couple had been together for 20 years and married for 12.
For most of the marriage, Wilson’s wife was the main breadwinner.
“The accused was described as selfish, unwilling to work and equally unwilling to assist around the home,” the prosecutor told the court.
“The accused has been fixated on the complainer allegedly being involved in a sexual encounter with a former colleague.
“He repeatedly made derogatory remarks to the complainer.”
The court heard the wife worked from home during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“When restrictions eased, she was keen to attend at her office in Dundee,” said Mr Kermode.
“That would enrage the accused.”
Can’t live with constant criticism
In one incident in November 2022, Wilson angrily accused his wife’s work colleague of coming to the house and taking items.
On another occasion later that month the complainer told him that she could not live with his constant criticism.
The next evening she could hear him making noises in the downstairs living room.
Mr Kermode said: “She couldn’t hear exactly what he was saying but she believed they were directed at her ‘because they normally are.'”
Camera discovered
Mr Kermode said Wilson spent the weekend drinking in the house on his own.
“Throughout Monday morning, the complainer could hear the accused aggressively shouting from upstairs.
“She could not make out exactly what was said.”
The woman became so concerned she called NHS 24, who advised her to contact police.
Officers arrived about an hour later and found her in a state of distress.
Wilson was found asleep upstairs surrounded by empty bottles and glass tumblers.
“He smelled strongly of alcohol and refused to engage with police,” said Mr Kermode.
“He then went into the hallway and repeatedly stated ‘f*** you’ while staring at the complainer.”
Wilson then pressed his head and chest against one of the officers and kicked him on his leg.
“As a result he was informed he was arrested, placed on the ground and handcuffed,” the fiscal depute said.
“Officers seized a wireless camera which was recovered from the downstairs hallway.
“The accused was interviewed and made admissions of controlling, coercive and abusive behaviour towards the complainer.
“He said the camera was installed in order to monitor the complainer’s movements.”
When cautioned and charged, he told police: “I’m getting picked on.”
Obsession at ‘core’ of problems
Solicitor Mike Tavendale, defending, said his client is getting medical help.
“His obsession with his wife allegedly having an illicit relationship was at the core of this matter.
“He was using alcohol as a form of self-medication and that clearly was not working.”
Mr Tavendale added: “There is no way back for this relationship.”
Sheriff Sheena Fraser told Wilson: “Obviously, these offences are extremely serious.”
She placed him on supervision for 18 months and imposed a conduct requirement that he must get treatment for alcohol abuse and counselling.
The sheriff further imposed a two year non-harassment order.
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