A businessman bullied and abused his wife for almost 10 years with a catalogue of abuse.
James McAteer threw food at the frightened woman, threatened to break her teeth and called her derogatory names during their turbulent marriage.
The Lanarkshire flooring store boss was in the dock at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week where details of his vicious behaviour were laid bare, the Daily Record reports. On one occasion McAteer was furious at being given fajitas for dinner and tossed the meal in his grieving wife's face, as she tried to compose a eulogy for her dead uncle.
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Another time the company director pulled the family Christmas tree down in a fit of temper.
The 49-year-old, of Bothwell, admitted assaulting his wife, by throwing food at her and struggling with her to her injury.
He also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards her on various occasions between December 2011 and October 2020.
Things got so bad that they twice split up, but on each occasion they managed to "rekindle" their relationship. Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, highlighted an incident in January 2018 when McAteer confronted his wife in the living room.
She told the court: "Mrs McAteer's uncle had passed away and she asked the accused to give her an hour to let her write a eulogy. She told him there were fajitas for dinner.
"The accused left the living room but returned, holding fajitas in his hand. He shouted 'Is this supposed to be a f*****g joke?' and threw the food at her. McAteer told his wife 'You can eat them' and a struggle began during which Mrs McAteer sustained bruises to her arm."
Other incidents included McAteer kicking his wife's car and threatening to break her teeth. Defence agent Murray Macara said the couple, who have two children, have been separated since October 2020.
The lawyer stated: "Many of these incidents took place when my client was significantly under the influence of alcohol. He has addressed his long-standing drink problem and is adamant it is no longer an issue. He employs approximately 10 people who rely on him for their livelihood. He is the driving force behind the business."
Sheriff Martin Jones put McAteer under supervision for two years and ordered him to attend a domestic abuse programme and carry out 135 hours of unpaid community work. The sheriff warned him: "If you breach any order the consequences will be extremely serious and might result in a lengthy prison sentence."
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