A thug who battered a Celtic FC Women’s star during a shocking campaign of domestic abuse has been banned from contacting the victim for five years.
Paul Tansey - brother of former Scotland hero Leigh Griffiths - headbutted Hoops midfielder Lisa Robertson during one brutal attack at her Edinburgh home. While the amateur footballer also monitored her phone use, pestered her, made offensive remarks towards her and threatened suicide when she dumped him throughout the couple’s relationship.
The violent lout also admitted launching a cup of hot tea at Ms Robertson and to damaging her front door amid another fiery confrontation. Tansey, from Dalkeith, Midlothian, pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct which was abusive of Ms Robertson when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this year.
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Sentence had been deferred for reports and Tansey was back in the dock Friday where Sheriff Kenneth Campbell QC said his behaviour had gone “well beyond what is acceptable”. The sheriff added: “You have pled guilty to a course of behaviour that was serious consideration to custody.
“I have given serious consideration to custody in this case but I am satisfied there is a direct alternative in terms of a community payback order.” Tansey was placed under the supervision of the social work department for two years and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work in the community.
The sheriff also issued a five-year non-harassment order banning 37-year-old Tansey from approaching or contacting Scotland international Ms Robertson. Defence agent David Storrie told the court his client was a father of two and was now “concentrating on his employment” as a store manager with the retailer B&M.
Mr Storrie added: “He appreciates he was in the wrong and the victim has suffered due to his actions.” Celtic FC Women star Lisa Robertson, 30, signed for the Glasgow club in 2020 and was on loan at Birmingham last season.
The talented midfielder has also played for Hibernian Women, Glasgow City and Durham Women FC and has earned eight full international caps with the Scotland Women’s national team. Tansey is the older brother of former Hibs and Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths and recently played for East of Scotland Premier Division side Penicuik Athletic.
The goal-scoring midfielder has also played for East Fife and several amateur outfits during his career. But his career in the sport is now in tatters after Penicuik Athletic bosses ripped up his contract following the court case.
A statement from the club read: “Penicuik Athletic can confirm that following the publication of several news articles in relation to Paul Tansey, discussions have taken place between both parties and his contract will be terminated with immediate effect. The club shall make no further comment.”
Tansey pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in a course of conduct which was abusive of his partner Lisa Robertson by monitoring her mobile phone use, uttering offensive remarks to her, repeatedly accusing her of infidelity and threatening to self harm.
He also threw a mug containing hot liquid towards her damaging a wall, struck her on the head with his head, repeatedly contacted her by phone and text, attended at her property and kicked and struck a door, all between July 1, 2020 and May 15 last year.
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