14-05-2025
Violent thug set to star in BBC documentary jailed over horror domestic abuse campaign
It was claimed that the trial was delayed as he missed a meeting with social workers due to taking part in the show
'COMPLETELY DISGUSTED' Violent thug set to star in BBC documentary jailed over horror domestic abuse campaign
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A THUG who is set to feature in a BBC documentary about life in Barlinnie prison has been jailed for 17 months.
Andrew Cunningham, 36, subjected his ex-girlfriend to a vicious campaign of abuse at a property in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire.
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HMP Barlinnie is the subject of a BBC Documentary with inmates being filmed
Credit: PA
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Cunningham was sentenced to 17 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court
Credit: Les Gallagher
His offending stretched between March 2022 and February last year and also saw him threaten his victim about testifying against him.
She had blasted him for taking part in the documentary that is understood to depict the reality of life behind the bars of Scotland's infamous prison which is dubbed 'The Big Hoose'.
The woman had earlier hit out after it was claimed he had caused delays in previous court dates after he missed a meeting with social workers due to taking part in the show.
She said: "When I heard about the documentary I was completely disgusted.
"I think it's shocking a convicted domestic abuser who is on remand is being given a platform."
Cunningham was today jailed at Hamilton Sheriff Court by Sheriff John Hamilton KC who also banned him from contacting his victim for 15 years.
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The second series of the documentary at Barlinnie is currently being filmed
Credit: Getty
Ruth Wallace, defending, said Cunningham had taken part in the document but had not prioritised it over court commitments.
She said: "While it was the case there was this documentary, he was working as a prison mentor and they requested that remanded prisoners be filmed rather than those serving a sentence.
"He did not take part in the documentary rather than do the social work report, he made himself available and knows the importance of the social work report.
"He accepts full responsibility for his behaviour and is truly appalled and the words he used to me were that it was truly disgusting behaviour and that there is not a day passes when he is not sorry."
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Sheriff Hamilton said: "The conduct in this indictment is truly appalling.
"It was a prolonged two year period of controlling, coercive and violent behaviour and involved threatening her with weapons, controlling someone with weapons, spitting, threats to her family and it's clear from her victim impact statement that you made her life a misery.
"You must have known the effect of your conduct."
The BBC previously said that they take their duty of care seriously, make a point to contact victims ahead of any broadcast and said filmed interviews do not always make the final edit.
A spokesperson added: "The timing of the sentencing is a matter for the court.
"The filming for this documentary had no impact on this and it is categorically untrue to suggest otherwise."
