Killer husband who murdered wife & took his own life had strangled her in Scots home just weeks before

A BRUTE throttled his estranged wife in her home — three weeks before returning to murder her, we can reveal. Stacy Mair called police after Jim Mair, 44, left her “struggling to breathe” in the horror attack at the ­cottage they once shared. Stacy Mair was murdered at the cottage in Houston, Renfrewshire on Sunday Credit: PA Jim Mair took his own life after killing her Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk The thug was taken into cells — but was freed on bail the next day after a court appearance. He ignored orders to stay away from the mum, 35, and on Sunday night launched the fatal attack on her at the rural pad near Houston, Renfrewshire, before taking his own life. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! It came after the tree removal business boss appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court on July 6 accused of compressing Stacy’s neck. Mair had appeared on petition — reserved for the most serious cases — and was charged under domestic abuse laws. Officers said Mair’s death was being treated as unexplained pending a post-mortem. Cops locked down the property at the end of a single-track on Tuesday as they continued to probe the murder. Stacy, originally of Falkland, Fife, was the second woman killed by her ex in the space of six days — sparking calls for stricter sentences to protect abuse victims. We told how Lee Greenan stabbed to death beauty clinic boss Vikki Soloman, 44, at her home in East Craigs, Edinburgh, ten days ago. Most read in The Sun Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Abused Men In Scotland (AMIS) on 03300 949 395 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime.Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. Jim was facing domestic abuse charges for strangling her just weeks before he took her life Police locked down the scene in Houston after the tragic discovery Credit: TOM FARMER THE SUN GLASGOW Cops were called to the cottage Credit: TOM FARMER THE SUN GLASGOW The coward, 46, was arrested following a manhunt after he sparked alarm by walking into the nearby Mid Yoken pub ­covered in blood. He is thought to have died by suicide to avoid facing justice after his body was found in his cell at HMP Edinburgh. Tory justice spokesman Stephen Kerr said both cases were a “devastating reminder that domestic abuse remains one of the gravest threats” facing women. He called for “tougher sentencing, better protection for victims and a justice system that prioritises the safety of women above the needs of criminals.” Labour counterpart Pauline McNeill warned: “Action is needed to confront rising levels of violence against women and ensure our justice system tackles misogyny and protects women.” Victims minister Kirsten Oswald said: “My deepest condolences go to Vikki Soloman and Stacy Mair’s families. “We have taken action to tackle domestic abuse, including legislation to strengthen confidence in the system and ensure police, prosecutors and courts have the powers they need to bring perpetrators to justice. “Violent men need to change their behaviour and be held accountable for coercive control, abuse and violence.” Comment now