A Scottish podcaster and television personality has been found guilty of domestic abuse following a 12-day trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court. James English, 43, from Larkhall, was convicted of engaging in a course of behaviour that was abusive toward a former partner between July 2022 and November 2023. The conviction came after the court heard evidence of repeated physical violence and threatening messages directed at the woman, who is a model and influencer.
English gained public recognition through appearances on the Scottish reality television programme Glow before establishing himself as host of the Anything Goes podcast, which attracts more than 800,000 rs on YouTube. The single charge against him encompassed 19 separate allegations, of which six were proven. One allegation was withdrawn by the Crown during the trial.
According to court records, sentencing has been deferred pending the preparation of background reports, with a hearing scheduled for the following month. English's bail was continued in the interim.
How the relationship began and escalated
The court heard that the pair first made contact through social media in July 2022. The woman, who provided evidence remotely during the trial, described how English initially presented himself positively, with the relationship progressing rapidly. The first instance of violence occurred when they were together in the early hours of the morning. After the woman declined to provide him with a cuddle, English kicked her off the bed.
Distressed by this behaviour, the woman indicated she wanted to leave the situation. English followed her into the living room approximately five minutes later, where he approached her on the sofa. He seized her by the shoulders, forcing her to stand, and then pushed her forcefully against the wall with sufficient force to lift her feet from the ground. When asked by prosecutor Danielle Docherty to characterise English's demeanour during this incident, the woman stated he appeared angry.
What violent acts did the court find proven?
The trial established a pattern of physical violence spanning the relationship. On one occasion, English grabbed the woman by the neck and pinned her against a door. In another incident, he pressed his thumbs into her eyebrows, causing visible redness to the area. The woman also testified that English pulled her by the hair with sufficient force to cause her to lose her balance. She further described being struck across the face, which left redness on her skin.
Beyond physical violence, the court heard evidence that English sent threatening and abusive messages to his victim. The woman discovered she was pregnant during the course of their relationship, though the trial did not elaborate on how this development affected the dynamics between them.
What was the defence argument?
Calum Weir, representing English, argued during closing remarks that the Crown's case did not meet the threshold of proof beyond reasonable doubt. He contended that the absence of photographic documentation of injuries undermined the credibility of the allegations, particularly given that the woman maintained an online presence. Weir also highlighted inconsistencies in the victim's recollection of dates and timing for individual incidents, suggesting that the lack of specificity and visual evidence indicated the alleged violence had not occurred.
It was disclosed that English held previous convictions, primarily for road traffic offences.
How did the judge rule?
Sheriff David Hall delivered his verdict by finding English guilty on parts of the charge. In his judgment, the sheriff stated that he regarded the victim as both credible and reliable in her testimony. He noted that substantial evidence demonstrated the relationship between the parties had been intermittent and unstable throughout the period in question. According to the court's decision, the conviction was warranted based on the totality of evidence presented.
What happens next?
English is scheduled to return to court next month for sentencing, which will follow the completion of background reports prepared by social work and other relevant services. His bail conditions remain in place pending that hearing. The case has drawn attention to patterns of domestic abuse within high-profile circles, following several other recent convictions in Scotland involving public figures accused of violence against partners.
Key Facts:
- James English, 43, was convicted of domestic abuse against a former partner at Glasgow Sheriff Court following a 12-day trial
- Six of 19 allegations were proven; the abuse occurred between July 2022 and November 2023
- English is known for appearing on the reality television show Glow and hosting the Anything Goes podcast with over 800,000 YouTube rs
- Sheriff David Hall found the victim credible and reliable, describing the relationship as intermittent and unstable
- Sentencing is deferred pending background reports, with English's bail continued until the next court hearing
