A kidnap victim said she would never be the same again after her former partner abducted her and subjected her to a “horrendous” ordeal.
Cheryl Timmons, 30, bravely spoke out, saying she had feared for her life when partner of 14 years John Lindsay held her against her will.
On Wednesday. Lindsay, 33, was handed a six-year extended sentence at Dundee Sheriff Court for the attack in March.
He will spend four years of that sentence in prison and the remaining two in the community on licence, but Cheryl said she is still living in fear.
“I was afraid for my life,” she said. “I thought I knew him, obviously I didn’t. I feel like I have to run away when he gets out.”
A jury previously found Lindsay guilty of assaulting, abducting and detaining her against her will at locations in Dundee.
The court heard he butted her, placed her in a headlock and compelled her to go upstairs to a bedroom. He then bound her wrists and ankles with tape, covered her mouth with tape, uttered threats towards her and abducted her on March 25.
Lindsay was also found guilty of preventing her from leaving the house and detaining her against her will.
Defending, solicitor Kevin Hampton said his client, who is a prisoner at Perth Prison, was aware that a lengthy custodial sentence was “inevitable” in his case. Lindsay had been subject to a psychiatric report after the trial.
Sheriff George Way said: “Having read the report it seems totally clear, because he does not have a treatable psychiatric condition, he needs to have psychological assistance.
“I am satisfied that because he accepts there is a need for behavioural adjustment in the community I can deal with this by way of an extended sentence.
“Part of it will be served in the community.”
Sheriff Way told Lindsay he had subjected Cheryl to a “horrendous experience”.
He said: “In the circumstances it seems to me that an extended sentence of six years is appropriate. Four years of that will be in custody and two years will be in the community.”
He told Lindsay he would be required to comply with any supervision felt necessary.
Cheryl said she was grateful to the sheriff for handing Lindsay the lengthy sentence. However, she said she was still afraid for her life.
“He’s ruined my life. I will never be the same again,” she said. “I want everyone to know what he’s capable of. I was with him for 14 years. He just left a big hole in all of our hearts.”
Cheryl’s friend, who was with her in court, added: “She was 16 when she met him. She’s so used to being his other half she’s going to have to find her whole.”