Glasgow Sheriff Court trial involving podcaster James English begins

The 42-year-old was in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court for a proceedings which are set to last at least three days.

The single charge he faces is said to have taken place at his flat in the city's Argyle Street and elsewhere between July 2022 and November 2023.

Among numerous allegations are that English attacked the 30-year-old woman - who is a model and influencer - while she was pregnant.

He is also claimed to have kept control of aspects of her life including her money and contact with loved ones. 

The woman - who gave evidence remotely from a court in Wales - told the trial that the pair met through Instagram in July 2022.

She stated that English was a "podcast host" and he had messaged her privately first.

The woman claimed that English was "nice at first" and visited her in Cardiff before she made two trips to Glasgow to see him.

She stated that the relationship moved "fast" and was introduced to members of his family.

The woman said that she, English and his family went on a trip to Blackpool in August 2022.

She stated that this was the first incident where they had "some issues."

Prosecutor Danielle Docherty asked the witness what the issues were and she replied: "He was unhappy with the clothes I was wearing."

Miss Docherty asked: "In what way was he unhappy?"
The woman said: "I had a sports crop top thing on and he didn't like it that I wasn't wearing a bra."

She added that English called her a "slag" and was "wanting attention off other men."

The woman stated that English was "angry" at the time and told her he didn't want to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't wear a bra.

When asked how she felt, the woman said: "Small really. I didn't have bad intentions - there just seemed a dramatic shift. It was a nice day weather wise. It didn't really go as planned."

The woman claimed that English drove her to the train station but turned back around after she got out of his car and told her to get back in.

The woman stated that she put a shirt on over her top and went to a theme park with the family.

Miss Docherty asked: "You changed your clothes and put a shirt on because of what he said?"
The woman replied: "Yes."

She stated that English the rest of the trip went without incident and she returned to Glasgow with him.

English denies the allegations and the trial continues tomorrow before Sheriff David Hall.