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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Paisley Express

Paisley teacher sent former lover abusive messages and followed her after break-up

A Paisley teacher bombarded his ex-lover with abusive messages and followed her after their break-up.

Michael Muir, 35, sent Fiona Williamson the texts as well as a letter between June 2019 and July 2020.

The Castlehead High School teacher, of Kilnside Road, committed the crimes at various locations in Glasgow.

This includes a number of places in the city centre as well as Rouken Glen Park in East Renfrewshire.

The charge states Muir engaged in a course of conduct which was the abuse of Miss Williamson.

It is stated Muir pushed her on the body and threw keys at her.

Muir went on to remove her from a bed and uttered a threat of violence towards her.

He also repeatedly walked past her and followed her to her friend’s and her own home address.

The charge goes on to say Muir “persistently contacted Miss Williamson and sent her messages of an abusive nature”.

Muir, who denied the charge, was found guilty after trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the single charge.

The first offender was ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work by Sheriff Mark McGuire.

Muir’s lawyer had attempted to have the matter dealt with by an absolute discharge.

Rhona Lynch told the sentencing hearing: “The circumstances of the offence in this case is an exception to the character of Mr Muir.

“As you learned about, this was a toxic relationship.

“He was a man with a previous unblemished character and you can recall evidence of the messages that she sent to him.

“Significant messages were sent by both parties and the victim in her evidence admitted that she did not cover herself in glory.

“Mr Muir did not realise the impact of the toxic relationship until he was out of it.

“He was going through a process of dealing with the human emotions of leaving a relationship.”

Miss Lynch also provided a testimonial from a former head teacher which stated that he was of “exceptional quality” who was “approachable” and had “excellent rapport” with his students.

It was also stated that Muir ran a football team and ICT classes during lunch breaks at school.

The lawyer added: “He is described as an asset for any school in Renfrewshire and his conduct could not be further away from the person described in the charge.”

Sheriff McGuire refused the request for an absolute discharge.

He said: “You have been convicted of domestic abuse and you require to be sentenced for that matter.

“This was not a one-off matter and, yes, there was context to your offending but you did behave in that manner.

“You sent abusive messages and kept persistent contact and followed her – I deem such conduct as criminal.

“It is clear from the report that he continues to put blame on the victim for the predicament he finds himself in.

“There is only one person alone for his offending and that’s himself.”

A five-year non-harassment order was also granted restricting Muir’s contact with Miss Williamson.

Tonight, a spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council confirmed the head teacher of Castlehead High, Gordon Menzies, did not provide the court testimonial.

They added: “We acknowledge the outcome of the court case.”

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