30-05-2025
Barrhead man fined after turning up at ex-partner's house and refusing to leave
Darren McGonigle was under the influence when he breached a court order in April 2023.
A Barrhead man who breached a court order by turning up at his ex-partner's house and refusing to leave has been fined.
Darren McGonigle walked into his former partner's home in the town's Craighead Street in April 2023 but stayed put when asked to leave.
The boozed-up 37-year-old then went on to cause 'fear or alarm' by repeatedly shouting and swearing in the street and from his own flat window.
The procurator fiscal depute told Paisley Sheriff Court: 'Around 7pm on April 7, 2023, the victim returned home from a walk with her daughter and her dog.
'A short time later, she heard a knock at her door and it was a young male asking for his PlayStation back as he had loaned it to the victim. The PlayStation was returned and the victim went upstairs.
'She then heard a male voice downstairs and recognised the voice being that of the accused and that it sounded like he was under the influence.
'The victim came halfway down the stairs and told the accused to leave. She was fearful at this time as he had been drinking and his behaviour could be unpredictable when he's under the influence.
'The accused refused to leave when told to do so and, at this time, a witness told the victim she would call the police if the accused didn't leave.
'McGonigle didn't leave and the witness contacted the police and he then left. He was shouting and swearing for a while outside.
'The accused then made his way into his flat and began to shout out the window. Police attended at the accused's address and found him at the front door.
'It was confirmed he had bail conditions not to enter Craighead Street in Barrhead or to approach or contact the female victim. He was arrested and taken to Cathcart police station where he made no reply to caution and charge.'
Defence agent Robert Mitchell told the court the father-of-four had 'taken alcohol' on this day and was 'regretful' of his actions.
He added: 'Back when these matters occurred, he was finding it difficult to accept the relationship was over. He had taken alcohol and regrets everything that day.
'He seems to have moved on now and finally accepted the relationship is over and is drinking less alcohol and seeking employment having passed a forklift course.'
Sentencing, Sheriff Clare Arias stated: 'Taking into account you are complying well with your other community payback order and making changes in your life, I will mark this with a relatively small fine.'
McGonigle, of Auchenback, Barrhead, was ordered to pay a total fine of £320 and to pay this at the rate of £20 per month.
