Kristopher Kerrigan, a domestic abuser who compelled his frightened spouse to isolate herself in a room, has died in custody at a West Lothian prison.
In October, Kristopher Kerrigan acknowledged charges of domestic abuse and was detained at HMP Addiewell until sentencing. The 36-year-old passed away on November 26.
The Scottish Prison Service has stated that the police are informed, and a compulsory fatal accident inquiry will be conducted in due time.
According to Lanarkshire Live, Hamilton Sheriff Court revealed that Kristopher Kerrigan’s partner experienced weight loss and anxiety due to his disparaging remarks about her.
His partner also confined herself in a room due to the aggressiveness exhibited by Kerrigan, who would consume alcohol most Saturdays.
Physical and verbal abuse occurred at Kristopher Kerrigan’s residence and at locations in Hamilton and Blantyre from 2019 to 2023.
Kristopher Kerrigan also admitted failing to attend court and sending the woman abusive and threatening messages between July 31 and August 31 this year. He poured a two-litre bottle of water over her on one occasion after hearing that an ex-partner had sent her a message asking how she was.
Rebecca Clark, prosecuting, said: “The accused would drink most Saturdays. [The woman] would use furniture to barricade herself…in a room because she was scared when he was under the influence.
“He became aggressive and she didn’t know what he would do.” When angry he would “throw at her whatever was in his hands”.
On one occasion the woman contacted the police after Kerrigan slapped her. Officers found her crying and saw bruising but she refused to say what had happened.
Kristopher Kerrigan berated her for reporting him, saying: “You are ruining my life. I could have left you black and blue and you still shouldn’t have phoned the police.”
He was due to stand trial in August but failed to return from a holiday in Greece in time. Ms Clark said Kristopher Kerrigan was arrested at Manchester Airport on his return from Greece on September 10 and held in custody.
Defence lawyer Luke O’Curry described the couple’s relationship as “toxic”.
He conceded that messages sent by his client were “abhorrent” but added: “These were empty words. There’s nothing to suggest he would have carried out his threats.”
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