Podcaster accused of domestic abuse made woman feel 'small'

James English appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court

A podcaster made a woman feel 'small' and forced her to change her top after being unhappy with her outfit, a court has heard.

James English, 42, is said to have called the woman an offensive name and accused her of wanting "attention off other men".

Mr English, from Larkhall, starred in Scottish reality TV show Glow before becoming the host of the Anything Goes podcast.

He is facing allegations including claims that he attacked the woman - a model and influencer - while she was pregnant.

The crimes were allegedly carried out at a flat in the city's Argyle Street between July 2022 and November 2023.

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

The woman - who gave evidence remotely - told the trial that the pair met through Instagram in July 2022. She said Mr English had messaged her privately.

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

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

The woman told the court she joined Mr English and his family on a trip to Blackpool in August 2022, which was when they first 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?"

"I had a sports crop top thing on and he didn't like it that I wasn't wearing a bra," she replied.

She added that he called her an offensive name and accused her of "wanting attention off other men."

The woman said Mr English was "angry" at the time and told her he did not want to be in a relationship with someone who did not wear a bra.

When asked how she felt, the woman replied: "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 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 the rest of the trip went without incident and she returned to Glasgow with him.

Mr English denies the allegations and the trial continues on Thursday before Sheriff David Hall.