18-07-2025
Barrhead brute pinned down and strangled partner after row
An argument between the pair earlier in the evening continued when he returned home, Paisley Sheriff Court heard.
A Barrhead man who pinned his partner down and strangled her could be ordered to carry out a programme for domestic abusers.
Brute Connor Forrest had been on a night out and, when he returned to their Paisley home on May 18, he and his partner continued an argument that had been started earlier that evening.
The woman decided she didn't want to argue with the 27-year-old thug any longer and, when she tried to stop the argument, Forrest, now of Divernia Way, climbed on top of her, seized her by the neck, pinned her to the bed and strangled her.
The 'highly distressed' woman was able to get Forrest off of her and used a 'pre-arranged de-escalation technique' and asked him to take the dog for a walk.
The procurator fiscal depute yesterday told Paisley Sheriff Court the couple had been in a five-year relationship which came to an end as a result of this incident.
He explained: 'Around 4am on May 18, the accused returned home to the property in Paisley's Arthur Street after a night out.
'The female was within the property on the phone to a friend when both the accused and the female continued an argument which had started earlier that evening. The female decided she was unwilling to engage further with the accused.
'At this time, the accused climbed on top of her, placed his hands around her neck and strangled her for a few seconds until she managed to remove him from her.
'The woman asked the accused to take the dog a walk which was a pre-arranged de-escalation technique. Around 4.40am, the police were called and, when they arrived, from outside they could hear screaming and crying.
'Officers also observed the woman to be highly distressed, highly shaken and unable to speak because she was highly upset.
'The accused was cautioned and informed of his arrest where he made no reply and was taken to Greenock police station. The woman suffered superficial scratching and bruising.'
Defence agent Kirsty McGeehan told the court background reports had been prepared by the social work department with a recommendation made.
She said: 'The writer has suggested an assessment be carried out on his suitability to undertake the 'Up2U' programme, which is a domestic abuse behaviour programme. It would be beneficial if the court had this assessment available to them to consider when sentencing.'
She added: 'He has no intention of getting back together with this woman.'
Sheriff Cooke deferred sentence for Forrest to be of good behaviour and to allow an assessment to be carried out on his suitability to undertake the 'Up2U' domestic abuse programme.
His bail was continued and he will return to court for sentencing on August 29. Consideration of a non-harassment order was continued to the same day.
