A former RAF officer convicted of abusing his wife after accusing her of cheating is planning to stand for the Scottish Liberal Democrats at elections in May.
Ex-wing commander Allan Steele is aiming to become a councillor in East Renfrewshire when voters go to the polls this spring.
The dad, from Giffnock, near Glasgow, is already chair of his local branch of the Lib Dems.
But campaigners against domestic abuse have questioned whether he is an appropriate candidate for elected office.
The Record revealed how Steele launched a crowdfunder last year in a bid to help him overturn his conviction for shouting and swearing at ex partner Linzi – claiming he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice.
He originally landed himself in court in 2016 accused of grappling with his wife in a bid to seize a laptop he believed contained damning evidence of an affair.
Steele's ex told Kilmarnock Sheriff Court that her military legal adviser husband - who was decorated by Barack Obama after serving at the Pentagon - branded her a “slut” and accused her of leaving a sex aid in view of three children.
The officer, who had served at NATO’S Joint Force Command in Brunnsum, Netherlands, claimed he had uncovered texts and emails between Linzi and an old school friend she had met at a reunion.
He admitted he took Linzi’s laptop after seeing a message saying: “He knows everything,” but denied assaulting or being abusive to her at a house in Waterside, Ayrshire.
He said he had stumbled as his wife fell on to a bed and she bit him before he escaped with the laptop.
He was found guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour at a house in Waterside, Ayrshire, but an assault charge was found not proven.
Steele appealed his conviction in 2017 but Sheriff Principal Mhairi
Stephen rejected it and said Steele's 'angry and aggressive' behaviour had left his wife in fear of him.
He is now plotting a career in local politics and hopes to be returned for the Lib Dems for the Giffnock and Thornliebank ward.
Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: "Domestic abuse is a crime in Scotland.
"Perpetrators should always be held accountable and that local authorities should be using a survivor-centred approach in tackling violence against women and girls.
"Surely there are dedicated and passionate candidates who can run for local elections who have not been convicted of domestic abuse?
"What we – and local services in East Renfrewshire – want to see is local elected officials who prioritise ending domestic abuse and promoting human rights and equality."
The Lib Dems failed to return a single councillor in East Renfrewshire at the last council election in 2017.
But Steele - whose dad is a former provost of the council area - is hoping his links to the local community could make a difference on polling day.
In an election leaflet, the candidate said: "After leaving the RAF in 2020 and having returned to my home in Giffnock, I could not be happier to be part of my community again.
"However, some things have concerned me. I am not impressed with what passes for leadership locally.
"My dad represented this area for many years, becoming its first provost.
"My style is his style - the community is king. People come first and must be given a voice."
Steele insisted he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice when contacted by the Record - and said he was planning a second appeal against his conviction.
"In terms of the case, matters are being carefully considered by legal experts," he said.
"People can express opinions and that is understandable.
"But if they were made aware there is a little bit more to this case, their opinions might change in due course when the truth comes out."
A spokesman for the Lib Dems said: "Candidate selections are a matter for local parties to decide.
"We understand that this matter is the subject of an ongoing legal appeal so are unable to comment further."
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