A young man's toxic relationship leads to a 15-month prison sentence for abuse and drug crimes.
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In a troubling case that highlights the dangers of domestic abuse, a 21-year-old man from Elgin has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for a series of reprehensible crimes against his former partner. Grant Rowand, who appeared via video link from prison, pleaded guilty to over a dozen charges, including drug dealing and domestic abuse, revealing a pattern of controlling and manipulative behavior.
Controlling behavior and toxic relationship
During the proceedings at Elgin Sheriff Court, fiscal depute Shay Treanor detailed the extent of Rowand’s controlling behavior. The court heard that Rowand was convinced his girlfriend was lying to him, leading him to impose strict rules on her appearance and social interactions.
He demanded that she stop wearing makeup and even insisted she wipe her face on video calls to prove her compliance. This toxic relationship, which began in 2022, was marked by jealousy and manipulation, with Rowand attempting to isolate his partner from her friends and family.
Threats and intimidation
Rowand’s behavior escalated over time, as he instructed his partner to download a tracking app on her phone, claiming it was for her safety. Despite this, he continued to accuse her of dishonesty regarding her whereabouts. He would frequently demand screenshots of her phone calls to verify her claims, demonstrating a disturbing level of control over her life. In one instance, he required her to FaceTime him throughout the night to prove she was at home and not elsewhere. Such intimidation tactics contributed to a climate of fear and anxiety for his partner.
Drug offenses and legal consequences
In addition to the domestic abuse charges, Rowand admitted to being involved in the supply of drugs, including cannabis and ecstasy, last year. His criminal behavior extended beyond his relationship, as he repeatedly breached bail conditions that prohibited him from contacting his former partner. Sheriff David Hastie, who presided over the case, condemned Rowand’s actions as “reprehensible” and noted that he had exhausted all opportunities for rehabilitation. The court highlighted Rowand’s supportive family background, emphasizing that he had every chance to turn his life around but chose to engage in destructive behavior instead.
As part of his sentence, Rowand will not only serve 15 months in prison but will also be barred from contacting his ex-partner for the next five years. This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences of domestic abuse and the importance of addressing such behavior before it escalates further.
