Former Lord Provost contacted ex-partner 122 times during stalking campaign
A former Lord Provost of Glasgow has admitted stalking his ex-partner.
Philip Braat, 49, contacted the woman 122 times between July and September 2024.
The messages included claims that Braat wished to end his life as a result of the woman ending their three-year relationship.
Braat has represented the Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward since 2007 and is subject to an investigation by Scottish Labour.
Braat was the deputy Lord Provost in 2017 before taking on the senior role in 2020 until 2022.
He left the position after the 2019 resignation of Eva Bolander amid criticism of her expenses claims.
Braat was also the former convener of the Strathclyde Police Authority (SPA) and represented Glasgow at COP26.
Braat was a member of the Law Society of Scotland, an honorary captain in the Royal Navy Reserves, and a member of the Glasgow Tree Lovers' Society.
He pleaded guilty last month at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a single charge of stalking, and a narrative of the facts was heard on Friday.
The court heard that the pair entered a relationship in 2021 and went on to live together.
The woman told Braat that she was ending the relationship in July 2024.
She received an email the next day from Braat, which included a purported resignation letter to his employer sent from his professional account.
Prosecutor Paige Phillips said: 'The woman thought that this was fake and to get her attention as well as to make her feel guilty.'
She later contacted Braat to emphasise the end of their relationship during a 'very emotional and distressing' call.
The woman also stated that she did not love him and wanted to get on with her life.
Braat attempted to persuade her that the pair should be together and stated that he could 'not live' without her.'
He said: 'You better visit my parents and you better keep my legacy alive.'
The woman believed that this was in reference to Braat ending his life, and he said: 'I don't want to live without you.'
When asked if it was in reference to ending his life, Braat replied: 'Maybe.'
Between July and September, the woman received 18 emails, 51 Instagram messages, 15 text messages, 37 WhatsApp messages, and a LinkedIn message.
Some of the emails contained 'goodbye' letters to the woman and Braat's own family.
The woman contacted the police, and Braat was traced to his parents' address, where he was found 'safe and well'.
Braat's LinkedIn message, congratulating her on a professional award she received, resulted in the woman going to the police.
She stated that the messages were not nasty, but there was 'no escape' from Braat, and she could 'not cope any longer'.
Braat gave a 'no comment' interview to the police after his arrest.
Solicitor advocate Andrew Seggie, defending, told the court: 'He was at a low point and felt suicidal, and his focus was on winning the woman back during the period of the charge.
'As a result of the passage of time, he accepts his behaviour overstepped the mark. He is genuinely remorseful.
'He was the Lord Provost during the pandemic, and he said he felt additional pressure to assist those who lost loved ones as a result of the pandemic, together with his own constituents.
'He was trying to manage this and juggle his own family issues, and the end of the relationship caused him to suffer a mental health breakdown during this period.'
Sentencing was deferred again until next month by Sheriff Owen Mullan to be addressed on the terms of a non-harassment order.
The sheriff stated that Braat, of the city's Broomhill, will be ordered to 60 hours of unpaid work when sentencing is imposed.
Sheriff Mullan added: 'It should not have taken the passage of time and hindsight to reach the conclusion that perhaps you overstepped the mark – that is why you are here today.
'I understand that you have made it clear that it must have been traumatic and stressful for the woman concerned.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Arena bombing survivor battered in her own home by thug who shouted: 'I'm going to be a terrorist'
A Manchester Arena bombing survivor was left 'at rock bottom' after a violent thug stormed her home, shouted 'I'm going to be a terrorist' and launched a brutal attack — just as she was starting to rebuild her life. A woman who survived the Manchester Arena terror attack has been left traumatised once again after a thug burst into her home and shouted 'I'm going to be a terrorist' before brutally beating her. Joanne Wenton was attacked in the early hours of the morning by 20-year-old Lewis Tucker, who threatened to burn her house down and r epeatedly punched and kicked her as she lay on the ground. The terrifying ordeal unfolded at her home in Anfield, Liverpool, just as she was finally rebuilding her life after being caught up in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 innocent people at an Ariana Grande concert, reports LiverpoolEcho. Tucker, who has a long criminal record, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and was jailed for 16 months after admitting assault and criminal damage. He was also handed a five-year restraining order. The court heard Tucker had turned up at Joanne's house on March 28 — something he often did — and she had let him in, believing she was helping someone in need. But he suddenly 'snapped', shouting threats including: 'You're all going to be dead. I'm going to be a terrorist now, and I'm going to burn your house down.' The words were a chilling reference to Joanne's past. During the Manchester attack, she was knocked unconscious by the blast and struck by shrapnel while taking her 13-year-old daughter and her daughter's friend to the concert. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. This time, Tucker ran to the kitchen to grab a knife and launched a frenzied assault — punching her repeatedly before kicking her in the head and body after she fell to the floor. Even after his mother arrived and tried to intervene, he continued the brutal attack. Tucker then wrecked her home — smashing her TV, throwing a traffic cone through her window and tearing out her fireplace. In a heartbreaking statement, Joanne said: 'I have PTSD from the Manchester bombing. I was just starting to get my life back on track, and now I'm at rock bottom. I feel terrified, stupid, and totally let down. He's not just dangerous to me — he's a danger to society.' She collapsed the next day with what doctors said was severe concussion, and now lives in fear. Tucker has 13 previous convictions for 31 offences including wounding and attempted robbery. His lawyer said he suffers from PTSD, ADHD and likely autism, and had a 'very difficult upbringing' in care. Sentencing, Recorder Louis Browne KC told him: 'This was a prolonged, terrifying attack committed under the influence of alcohol. Your criminal record is troubling — especially given your young age. You posed a serious threat to someone who showed you nothing but kindness.' Tucker appeared via video link from HMP Liverpool wearing a grey t-shirt. His mum, who was present in court, was visibly distressed and said tearfully: 'I thought, when you were in court, you had to tell the truth.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Top CEO stabbed to death at his luxury mansion during house party as boy, 15, charged with murder
Distressed teens are now assisting police with the attack at the multimillion-dollar mansion KNIFE HORROR Top CEO stabbed to death at his luxury mansion during house party as boy, 15, charged with murder Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOP CEO was stabbed to death in a horror knife attack during a party packed with teenagers at his luxury mansion - before police arrested a 15-year-old boy. Australian entrepreneur Greg Josephson was hosting a large gathering of 30 or so teens at his home in Brisbane at the time of the deadly stabbing, cops said. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Greg Josephson (L), CEO of Universal Stores, was stabbed to death in Australia 4 He was attacked at his luxury mansion in Clayfield, Brisbane Credit: 9 news 4 Police arrested a 15-year-old and charged the teen with murder Credit: 9 news The businessman, 58, was the co-founder of youth clothing company Universal Store, which he and his brother Michael created in 1999. Josephson knew the alleged killer before the two got into an altercation around 8:15pm on Thursday, Queensland police said. The 15-year-old allegedly used a household item to carry out the attack. Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman said: "There was some sort of altercation that resulted in this 58-year-old male tragically losing his life. "It's not a case of carrying knives, it's unfortunately allotted in a home." Police rushed to the house in Clayfield, Australia, and found the CEO critically wounded. He was later pronounced dead at the scene. Cops immediately launched a manhunt and were able to locate the teenager two blocks south of Josephson's home. The child was charged with murder after being questioned and is currently being held without bail. Police detective Craig Williams said: "I can confirm that there was a party under way at the house with a number of young persons." Knifeman storms Andrew Tate's compound in Romania stabbing worker, 53, on disgraced influencer's property He explained that most of the teens were completely unaware of the horrifying attack when it happened. "It was a confusing situation," Williams added. A number of teenagers who were at the home during when the knife attack took place are now speaking with police. Universal Store specializes in trend-led clothing for men and women, with its target audience age being 15 to 34, according to their website. His company was sold to a consortium of private equity investors in 2018 for $100million. Josephson had been chief executive of Josephson Holdings Pty Ltd. since 2018, according to his LinkedIn. He appeared to have kept a relatively low public profile. Universal Store announced Josephson's death in a heartbreaking statement. They said: "We wanted to share the sad news that Greg Josephson, who founded our company and played a significant role until 2018, has recently passed away. "Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with his family at this very sad time." The tragic boss had bought the six-bed, six-bath "five-star" mansion back in 2016 for $1.25million. The three-storey pad, tucked away in Brisbane's upmarket Clayfield suburb, was transformed in 2022, according to 7News. The home is now estimated to be worth a whopping $3.2million. Josephson had recently listed the luxury property on the market as he planned to move his family north to Noosa. Horrified neighbors were left in shock after hearing about the high-profile killing. Some said the party was very quiet before the fatal attack. One neighbor told the Courier Mail: "It was extremely quiet, I wouldn't have even known there was a party going on last night."
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Mylo Capilla: Body found in search for missing boy, 13, who 'entered river'
Mylo Capilla, 13, was last seen at 9pm on Thursday where he is believed to have entered the River Tees During a search for a missing teenager, police have discovered a body in the water. Mylo Capilla, 13 years old, was last seen at 9pm on Thursday at Ramsey Gardens in Ingleby Barwick, Teesside. It is believed he entered the River Tees and was reported missing shortly after, triggering a large-scale overnight search involving police, divers and a mountain rescue team. Police announced tonight that "the body of a boy" had been found, and Mylo's parents have been informed. Formal identification has yet to occur. A spokesperson for Cleveland Police stated: "Very sadly, police and partner agencies searching the river for 13-year-old Mylo Capilla at Ingleby Barwick have found the body of a boy. "While formal identification has yet to take place, Mylo's parents have been informed and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers. All our thoughts are with Mylo's family and friends as well as with the wider community at this extremely difficult time.", reports the Mirror. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Before the police announcement, Mylo Capilla's father expressed his feelings of being "numb" and "helpless" as the extensive search for his son continued. "I feel numb, I feel helpless. I've just been walking around again there searching," Dan Capilla, 43, told Teesside Live. "I just don't know what to do." Dan, a design engineer, said he last saw Mylo at 4pm on Thursday and was alerted to his disappearance shortly after 9pm when Mylo's mum, from whom he is separated, raised the alarm.
