A Paisley pensioner called his ex-wife an “insane b***h” when he turned up at her home to check on his mother-in-law’s health.
Henderson Smith, 74, admitted he repeatedly banged on the door of his ex-wife’s home, shouted, swore and damaged the door on December 27 last year.
Procurator fiscal depute Michael Cunningham told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 11.10am on December 27, the accused’s ex-partner and their adult son where within their home address.
“The complainer was downstairs while their son was upstairs in bed watching TV.
“The accused attended at the property and pressed the door bell but then began to repeatedly bang the front door aggressively.
“The complainer, Smith's ex-partner, answered the door and observed the accused at the door.
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“The son muted his TV to identify what was going on and identified the voice to be of the accused and made his way downstairs.
“The accused was shouting at the complainer, ‘You’re just an insane b***h.’
“The son advised his mother to close the door and she did. The accused then swung his right hand at the door, causing it to break.
“Police were contacted and later that afternoon they attended at the home address of the accused.
“He was placed under arrest, cautioned and charged, and replied ‘I didn’t cause a breach of the peace.’
“He was taken to Greenock police station and processed in the usual way.”
Defence agent Mr Gemmell told the court on Wednesday the couple separated in 2018 after 46 years of marriage.
He explained: “Prior to this there was no animosity between parties. They even exchanged Christmas gifts two days prior.
“Mr Smith’s view is that his mother-in-law was unwell and he had tried to contact his ex-partner but this was ignored so he attended at the property where he tells me his temper got the better of him.
“He is aware this type of behaviour is unacceptable.”
On sentencing, Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill said: “You’re a wee bit old to be standing in Paisley Sheriff Court. You’re 74.
“You have a previous conviction of a domestic nature from four years ago in which you were admonished.
“Given your age and limited record I’ll deal with this today.”
Sheriff Gill fined Smith, of Rowans Gate, Paisley, £210 to be paid at £5 per fortnight.
A non-harassment order was also imposed for three years banning Smith from contacting his ex-wife directly or indirectly.
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