A man who was involved in a “whirlwind” romance has been fined £600 after being found guilty after trial of causing fear to his former, pregnant partner.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how Stuart Tugman, 33, of Orchard Way, Inchture, had, in the space of eight months, met the woman, moved into a house with her and become engaged. When the couple split up, she was expecting his child.
Evidence was given which claimed Tugman sent an email, text messages and dropped a letter at the woman’s work.
Giving his judgment on the case, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said he had to look “very carefully” at the legislation which covers the charge but found the turning point came when it was revealed Tugman had been warned by police that if he continued with his behaviour, he may face a criminal charge.
“Unfortunately for the accused, he didn’t create a favourable impression in the manner and certain aspects of his evidence,” Sheriff Foulis said.
“Things changed, in my view, when the accused was contacted by police in the early hours of December 21 last year.
“An officer warned him that if he continued to contact the complainer then he may well find himself committing a crime.
“He sent an email, text messages, a letter and, on occasions, maintained observations on the woman. I, therefore, find him guilty of the charge.
“This was a short period but the accused was warned and paid no notice he continued his course of conduct.”
Solicitor John McLaughlin, defending, said his client is still paying off debts, which included the balance of the property he had shared with the woman.
Tugman had denied that between December 21 and December 23 last year, at a property Perth, he engaged in a course of conduct which caused fear and alarm to a woman after being warned not to do so.