A flooring store boss furious at being given fajitas for dinner flung the meal in his grieving wife's face. At the time James McAteer's partner was trying to compose a eulogy for her dead uncle. A court heard the assault was part of a catalogue of domestic abuse spanning 10 years.
On another occasion McAteer pulled down the family Christmas tree in a fit of fury. Company director McAteer, 49, of Bothwell, Lanarkshire, admitted assaulting his wife, Fiona, 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. Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said McAteer often called his wife derogatory names during their turbulent marriage.
Things got so bad that they twice split up, but on each occasion they managed to "rekindle" their relationship. Ms Mathieson highlighted an incident in January 2018 when McAteer confronted his wife in the living room.
She told Hamilton Sheriff 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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