THOMAS MCAVOY – RUTHERGLEN, SCOTLAND

A man who carried out a sustained campaign of domestic abuse against his partner has been sentenced to 40 months in prison at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Thomas Liam McAvoy appeared at the court on 23 February 2026, where he pled guilty to charges of serious domestic abuse and violence committed between September 2024 and May 2025.

The offences included repeated physical assaults and controlling behaviour, leaving the victim with significant injuries requiring hospital treatment.

During the abuse, the woman suffered severe facial injuries, including a broken jaw, damaged teeth and other trauma that required extensive medical and dental care. Medical records and dental reports documented the extent of her injuries.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also retained evidence throughout the relationship, including photographs of her injuries and records of threatening messages.

She said she kept the evidence in case she was seriously harmed and to ensure there would be proof of what had happened.

The court heard that the abuse escalated over time, leaving the woman living in constant fear and feeling isolated from friends and family.

Police became involved after concerns were raised, leading to an investigation into the domestic abuse.

McAvoy was remanded in custody on 5 May 2025 and remained there ahead of trial proceedings.

Following his guilty plea, sentencing was deferred until 1 April 2026, when the Sheriff imposed a custodial sentence of 40 months’ imprisonment.

The court also granted a 10-year non-harassment order prohibiting McAvoy from contacting or approaching the victim.