Scared woman barricaded herself in bedroom when abusive partner had been drinking

A woman was left in fear of her abusive partner, so much so that she would barricade herself in a bedroom whenever he had been drinking. Kristopher Kerrigan, 36, residing in Pine Grove, Calderbank, has recently been incarcerated after pleading guilty to charges of domestic abuse. The disturbing case unfolded at Hamilton Sheriff Court, where it was revealed that the victim had endured both physical and verbal abuse from Kerrigan between 2019 and 2023. The court heard that the victim experienced weight loss and anxiety due to derogatory comments made by Kerrigan. Additionally, Kerrigan confessed to failing to attend court and sending threatening messages to the woman between July 31 and August 31 of the present year.

The victim’s ordeal included instances of aggression from Kerrigan, who would become physically violent, causing the woman to seek refuge by barricading herself in a room out of fear. Kerrigan’s violent outbursts often led to him throwing objects at the victim, escalating the abuse further. In one harrowing incident, Kerrigan poured a two-litre bottle of water over the woman upon discovering a message from an ex-partner. The victim eventually contacted the police after being slapped by Kerrigan, although she initially hesitated to disclose the full extent of the abuse out of fear of repercussions.

Despite facing trial in August, Kerrigan failed to return on time from a trip to Greece. During his absence, he proceeded to send threatening messages to the woman, including one alarming message stating, “I swear I’ll murder you. I’m coming for you.” Kerrigan was apprehended upon his return to the UK at Manchester Airport and has been in custody since. His defence lawyer acknowledged the toxicity of the relationship but defended Kerrigan’s messages as empty threats. The court deferred the sentencing pending background reports and denied bail due to the severity of the offences and the risk of Kerrigan potentially fleeing.

This distressing case sheds light on the devastating impact of domestic abuse on its victims. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of recognising and addressing abusive behaviour in relationships. Victims should be encouraged to seek help and support to break free from such harmful situations and perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions to prevent further harm.

Insights and Summary:
Domestic abuse cases, such as the one involving Kristopher Kerrigan, highlight the urgent need for robust measures to protect victims and combat abusive behaviours. It underscores the importance of creating a safe environment for individuals to seek help and speak out against abuse. Kerrigan’s actions demonstrate the destructive consequences of unchecked aggression within relationships and the lasting trauma it inflicts on victims. It is essential for society to stand together in condemning all forms of domestic violence and providing support to those in need.