A serial domestic abuser began mistreating his new girlfriend just months after his wife reported him to the police.
Peter Groat’s nine-month tirade of violence against his new partner saw him smashing items around the house and punching holes in walls, Peterhead Sheriff Court was told.
The 23-year-old has now been told to carry out a domestic abuse rehabilitation programme deemed for “his own good and for the good of other female partners”.
The court heard how he abused his victim with repeated pushes at two Fraserburgh homes, including one violent shove where she hit her head off of a sink.
Used Smartbox to call for help
Fiscal depute Tom Procter said the incidents happened between March 1 last year and January 7.
After the first incident, which saw the woman hit her head off of a bathroom sink, there were eight further occasions where Groat pushed the woman around.
“On January 7, a further argument ensued regarding financial debts,” Mr Procter said.
“He proceeded to shout and swear at her, smashing household items and punching holes in the walls.
“The complainer contacted her mum using her mobile phone but he grabbed it from her and threw it across the room.
“She then used a Smartbox to contact her mum who heard a commotion and smashing in the background and contacted the police.”
Groat admitted a course of conduct that was abusive to his partner between March 2022 and January 2023 at two addresses in Fraserburgh.
Was recently sentenced for abusing different woman
He had previously appeared in the dock last year and admitted abusing his wife between September 2018 and September 2021, including one incident where he punched her as she cradled their newborn baby.
Addressing the court regarding the latest offences, defence agent Leonard Burkinshaw said Groat suffers from mental health issues but has been put on “various medications which have stabilised him”.
“He and the complainer are back in contact,” he added. “They are not back together but they are trying to move forward slowly with a view to rekindling their relationship.”
The court heard that the father is unemployed but trying to get a job.
‘You cannot behave like that towards a partner’
Sheriff Annella Cowan referred to background reports in which a domestic abuse rehabilitation programme was not recommended as suitable due to it being “difficult” for Groat.
But she ordered he carry it out regardless.
“Your behaviour wherever it stems from has to be addressed,” she told Groat. “You cannot behave like that towards a partner.
“It may be hard work but the programme is for your own good and the good of other female partners.”
Groat, of Gladwell Place, Fraserburgh, must carry out the Caledonian Men’s Rehabilitation Programme and be under the supervision of social workers for two years.
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