A VIOLENT domestic abuser has been ordered to ask for permission from social workers before starting any new relationship.

       A sheriff told Marc Cosgrove, 36, he had to pass on the name and contact details of any woman he begins a relationship with after his "disgraceful" behaviour towards ex-girlfriends.

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       A sheriff told Marc Cosgrove he had to pass on the name and contact details of any woman he begins a relationship with

       Sheriff William Wood imposed the rules and a five-year non-harassment order at Perth Sheriff Court.

       Sheriff Wood told Cosgrove that a relationship was "two or more meetings in your home".

       Cosgrove was also put under supervision for two years, told to do 225 hours of unpaid work and attend a domestic bullying rehabilitation course.

       Cosgrove, from Dundee, pleaded guilty to acting in a threatening or abusive manner towards one woman on a number of occasions for eight years, between 2011 and 2019.

       He also admitted to two other charges relating to a second woman during a similar period of time.

       Sheriff Wood said: "I have listened to the litany of abusive behaviour set out by the Crown in relation to these three offences and it does you no credit whatsoever.

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       "Be under no illusion I have considered prison as an option. This woman has lived her life under a degree of fear and trepidation when she was with you.

       "She felt she was walking on eggshells around you for part of the time. Your behaviour has been disgraceful. This kind of behaviour is not to be tolerated."

       Fiscal depute David Currie told the court that the second victim was "constantly living on tenterhooks, waiting for the next outburst".

       “He constantly blamed her for his violent outbursts and anger issues," Mr Currie said.

       Cosgrove sent her a text message saying: "You want to ruin my life? I will do the same to you. I hope you actually die. You f***** up big time here."

       In a Facebook post, he wrote: "Really, really not one for doing this shit, but I'm ready to explode.

       "It's time you knew what she is like and find out all her dirty little secrets."

       His behaviour towards the woman in the second set of charges was reported to cops, who spoke to Cosgrove's former girlfriends and discovered further abusive behaviour towards the woman relating to the earlier charge.

       Defence solicitor Andrew Lyall said: "He is in a new relationship now. He has insight enough to recognise he has caused harm and distress.

       "He has expressed remorse and shame for his behaviour. I am instructed to say that he is truly sorry for his behaviour."

       HOW YOU CAN GET HELP

       Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

       Always keep your phone nearby. Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine. If you are in danger, call 999. Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”. Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare. If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone. Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

       If you are a -victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support -service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.

       Women’s Aid provides a live chat service - available every day from 10am-6pm.

       You can also call the freephone 24-hour -National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.