A SCOTS funeral director attacked his wife in a row over curtains.

Desmond Maguire, 48, assaulted Margaret Maguire at their home in Glasgow's King's Park on December 3, 2022.

The angry undertaker shoved Margaret to the ground causing her to fall and then stood over her.

Child witnesses reported hearing a "thud" at the time of the row.

A shocked Margaret stated to them: "He just pushed me."

Maguire was found guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court of assaulting Margaret.

Sheriff Bernard Ablett said: "This was an incident which had as a background a heated argument between you and Margaret regarding curtain materials.

"As the incident developed - according to Margaret's evidence - she reacted by striking you on the arm.

"As the argument further developed, you pushed her and as a result, she fell to the floor.

"She was uninjured by this assault, but notwithstanding this, I need to mark the serious nature of your assault."

Maguire - who appeared at court with a large number of supporters - was fined £600.

It was revealed he has one previous road traffic conviction.

Maguire - whose business is based in Glasgow and Rutherglen - was found not guilty to a separate charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards Margaret.

Maguire was also acquitted of assaulting a girl in a car on the M876 near Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire on December 19, 2021.

The charge said Maguire seized hold of her hair, slapped her on the face and struck her head against the window.

The girl claimed that the attack took place after she and Margaret picked him and a friend up from a game at Celtic Park.

Prosecutor Jeremy O'Neill told the court in his closing submissions: "As they were seated in the car, the girl was assaulted in the manner on the charge.

"The picture painted by both Margaret and the girl during the course of the car journey was not only consistent with regards to the facts and circumstances but to the atmosphere which was surprising, sudden and distressing."

Paul Nelson KC, defending, said that Maguire and Margaret have since ended their relationship.

 

The advocate added: "It is unfortunate for his good character that he should fall by the wayside at this stage in his life.

"Mr Maguire operates a business in funeral directing.

"After the last number of years, there was a rise in people requiring funeral directors and he is able to pay a fine."