Scots podcaster and reality TV personality James English has been convicted of domestic abuse against his former partner. The 43-year-old was found guilty of engaging in a course of behavior that was abusive to a partner or ex-partner.
During a 12-day trial, a judge considered six allegations proven out of a total of 19 included in the charge. One allegation had been withdrawn by the Crown mid-trial. The abusive conduct occurred at English's Glasgow flat and other locations between July 2022 and November 2023.
The court heard that the pair met after initially chatting on social media in July 2022 and met in person the following month. The victim, a 30-year-old woman, provided evidence remotely from Cardiff. She described English as 'nice at first' and stated that the relationship progressed rapidly.
The first reported act of violence occurred early in the relationship when the woman, feeling unwell, declined a cuddle. She testified that English kicked her forcefully off the bed, causing her to hit a wardrobe. Shortly after, she reported that English grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her against a wall with enough force to lift her off her feet.
During the relationship, the woman discovered she was pregnant. In a later incident, English is reported to have grabbed her by the neck, compressed it, and pinned her against a door for approximately 10 seconds. The woman described feeling petrified and panicked during this episode, stating that English was aggressive and held her with a tight grip.
Other incidents detailed in court included English pulling the woman by her hair, causing her to lose her balance, and slapping her across the face, which resulted in redness. The trial also heard that English sent threatening and abusive messages to the woman, including statements like 'You absolute waste. Get a job and support your family,' and 'You are lucky I never f****** battered you.'
English, now of Larkhall, Lanarkshire, gained fame from the reality TV show 'Glow.' He also hosts the 'Anything Goes' podcast, which boasts over 800,000 subscribers on YouTube and has featured interviews with figures such as ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne.
English's attendance at Glasgow Sheriff Court for the verdict was excused. He was reportedly out of the country, according to a statement made in court last week. Sheriff David Hall, who presided over the trial, stated that he considered the victim to be a credible and reliable witness. He noted that the evidence suggested the relationship was on-and-off and appeared destined to fail.
Sentence has been deferred pending background reports, and English's bail has been continued in the interim. English has prior convictions primarily for road traffic offenses.