Podcaster Faces Abuse Charges Over Controlling Behaviour

Published: 20 November 2025 Thursday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A Scottish podcaster is on trial accused of domestic abuse after allegedly making a woman feel “small” and attempting to control multiple aspects of her life, a court has heard.

James English, 42, from Larkhall, who gained fame through the Scottish reality TV show Glow before becoming the host of the Anything Goes podcast, faces serious allegations from a woman who is both a model and social media influencer. The crimes are alleged to have occurred at a flat on Argyle Street in the city between July 2022 and November 2023, and include claims of controlling behaviour and physical assault.

During a remote testimony, the woman described how English repeatedly sought to dominate and criticise her, including incidents where he objected to her clothing choices and exerted control over her finances and interactions with friends and family. She explained that the relationship initially appeared “normal” and friendly, but quickly became fraught with controlling and aggressive behaviour.

The witness stated that she first met English through Instagram in July 2022, after he sent her private messages. She said their initial interactions were friendly, and that he visited her in Cardiff. Following these visits, she made two trips to Glasgow to spend time with him. According to her testimony, the relationship developed rapidly, and she was soon introduced to members of English’s family.

However, tensions reportedly emerged during a family trip to Blackpool in August 2022. The woman told the court that the first issues arose over her clothing. “He was unhappy with the clothes I was wearing,” she said. When asked for details, she explained that she had worn a sports crop top without a bra, which English disapproved of. She added that he called her an offensive name and accused her of “wanting attention off other men.”

The witness described the emotional impact of the confrontation: “I felt really small. 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.” She said she complied with his demand to cover up, putting a shirt over her top, and continued with the planned family activities, including visiting a theme park. She noted that the remainder of the trip was uneventful, and she returned to Glasgow with English afterward.

Prosecutor Danielle Docherty emphasised that this incident was indicative of a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour throughout their relationship. The court heard that English allegedly exerted influence over the woman’s finances, monitored her communications with friends and family, and subjected her to verbal abuse. The alleged actions form part of the broader charges the podcaster faces, which include physical assault during the woman’s pregnancy.

The trial has drawn attention not only because of English’s public profile but also due to the broader context of domestic abuse in Scotland. Coercive control and emotional abuse are recognised under Scottish law as forms of domestic abuse and can be prosecuted independently of physical assault. Experts have noted that cases like this highlight the psychological and emotional toll of abusive relationships, particularly when the perpetrator is in a position of social influence or public recognition.

James English’s rise to prominence through reality television and podcasting has made him a public figure in Scotland. His participation in Glow and subsequent media presence helped him build a significant following, which prosecutors argue could exacerbate the power imbalance in the alleged relationship. The court heard that the woman initially found the relationship appealing due to English’s charm and celebrity status, but this quickly shifted as his behaviour became controlling.

In her testimony, the woman outlined the emotional manipulation she endured, stating that she often felt pressured to comply with his demands and adjust her behaviour to avoid conflict. She emphasised the lasting impact of the alleged abuse, describing feelings of anxiety, diminished self-worth, and the sense that she was constantly being monitored and judged.

The case also sheds light on how abuse can escalate in relationships that start online or in informal social settings. The witness described meeting English through Instagram, a common platform for initiating relationships in the digital age. While initial interactions appeared consensual and friendly, the court heard that they quickly developed into a dynamic in which English allegedly sought to assert control and dominance.

Legal experts observing the trial have noted that the charges highlight the ongoing challenges in prosecuting cases of coercive and controlling behaviour. Such cases often rely heavily on victim testimony, patterns of behaviour, and evidence of emotional and psychological manipulation rather than solely on physical harm. The allegations in this trial also underscore the importance of recognising emotional abuse as a serious and prosecutable offence, even in relationships that may initially appear conventional.

James English denies all the allegations against him. His legal team has indicated that they intend to challenge the claims, arguing that the incidents described were misinterpreted and that no criminal wrongdoing occurred. The trial continues under Sheriff David Hall, with further testimonies and cross-examinations expected in the coming days.

Advocates for victims of domestic abuse have emphasised the significance of cases such as this. They note that public figures who face allegations of abuse can influence broader societal understanding of coercive control and domestic violence. By bringing high-profile cases to court, they argue, it reinforces the principle that abuse is unacceptable regardless of the perpetrator’s status or influence.

In the meantime, the woman’s testimony has drawn attention to the human impact of coercive relationships, particularly the emotional manipulation and intimidation that can leave lasting psychological scars. Support services in Scotland have reiterated the importance of providing victims with access to counselling, legal assistance, and emergency support.

This trial forms part of a broader effort to address domestic abuse in Scotland, where authorities have implemented strategies to raise awareness, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure victims receive protection. Scotland’s legal framework recognises both physical and psychological forms of abuse, and prosecutors are increasingly focused on demonstrating the ongoing nature of controlling behaviour as a pattern of criminal conduct.

The court proceedings continue, with both sides expected to present further evidence and witness testimonies. Observers note that the outcome may have implications for how cases of emotional abuse and coercive control are perceived and prosecuted in Scotland, particularly in situations involving public figures.

As the trial progresses, public attention remains on the allegations and the impact on the victim. The case has prompted discussions about the responsibility of public personalities to uphold standards of conduct in both their personal and professional lives. Meanwhile, legal experts stress that the trial underscores the importance of the justice system in addressing domestic abuse, supporting victims, and holding alleged perpetrators accountable.