A Dunfermline man has become the first in Fife to be jailed under new domestic abuse legislation.
Kevin Skelton, 54, was convicted at Dunfermline Sheriff Court last month after admitting a catalogue of offences against his ex-partner.
He returned for sentencing yesterday and was jailed for 18 months by Sheriff Alistair Brown.
Skelton will also be subject to a six-month supervised release order and a five-year non-harassment order.
It was the first conviction in Fife for abusive behaviour under the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018.
Skelton previously admitted a catalogue of abusive behaviour towards the woman between May 1 and July 3 this year at an address in Dunfermline, the town’s Queen Margaret Hospital and Whyteman’s Brae Hospital in Kirkcaldy.
He repeatedly shouted, swore, made threats to kill her, made abusive comments to her, made threats to kill himself and threatened to set fire to property.
On one occasion, when she had barricaded herself in a room, he stood outside the door, sharpening knives and tried to force entry. He also brandished walking sticks at her, struggled with her, seized her mobile phone and disconnected the landline telephone in an effort to prevent her calling for help.
Skelton also admitted a second charge that on July 3 at an address in Dunfermline, he assaulted the woman by repeatedly striking her with a walking stick, repeatedly lunged towards her, attempted to strike her on the body with a knife and struggled with her.
He was arrested that day, following reports of a disturbance at his home in Inverewe Place.
Detective Inspector June Peebles of Fife’s domestic abuse investigations unit said: “Kevin Skelton has today become the first person in Fife to be sentenced under the new domestic abuse legislation.
“Over several months he subjected the victim to controlling, intimidating and abusive behaviour that is now, under the new legal framework, better recognised in law.
“It is well known that those who suffer domestic abuse may never experience physical violence. Instead, they are subject to degrading treatment, loss of freedom and coercive control on a daily basis, which is as damaging to both partners and children as physical abuse.
“I hope that victims of domestic abuse see this conviction today and find courage to step forward and speak out.”
The unit in Fife works with organisations such as Fife Woman’s Aid and Rape Crisis, who can provide additional support to those affected by domestic abuse.
Anyone experiencing abuse is urged to contact the police on 101, or any of the partners for advice on what to do next.
