ALEXANDER COLLINS SHOCKS EDINBURGH WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE AND CHEATING SCANDAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Edinburgh community, Alexander Collins has been found guilty of domestic assault after a tumultuous three-year relationship marked by severe financial, emotional, and physical abuse. The incident that led to his conviction took place in December 2024, culminating in a violent confrontation that left his former partner terrified and seeking police intervention.

Collins appeared before the court in January, where he pleaded guilty to the charges of assault. The court subsequently imposed a fine on him and issued a nine-month non-harassment order, restricting his contact with the victim. Despite the legal consequences, the case has brought to light a disturbing pattern of coercive and manipulative behavior that extended well beyond the physical altercation.

The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous for her safety, has publicly shared her harrowing account of the abuse. She described being “strangled and pinned against a wall” during a domestic incident in December 2024, an event she says was the violent climax of ongoing coercive tactics employed by Collins throughout their relationship. Her testimony reveals a relationship marred by control, deception, and financial exploitation.

According to her, the relationship began in 2021 after she met Collins on a dating application. She recalls that within weeks of their initial contact, Collins was professing love and speaking of soulmates, which she now believes was part of a calculated effort to manipulate her. He encouraged her to take on significant financial commitments, claiming his credit was damaged due to identity theft. She was persuaded to take out a £3,000 loan in her name to finance a car, believing she was helping him recover from his financial woes.

Her financial involvement did not stop there. She further took out a £12,000 car finance agreement, provided Collins with a £4,500 deposit, and supported his living expenses during periods of unemployment. The woman also revealed that her mother lent Collins £5,000, an amount that remains unpaid to this day. These financial manipulations highlight the extent of her exploitation and the coercive control Collins exerted over her.

Beyond financial abuse, she uncovered disturbing evidence of Collins’ online activities. She found profiles and messages on hookup sites such as FabGuys and FabSwingers, indicating that Collins was actively meeting with other partners during their relationship. When confronted, Collins denied everything, claiming his accounts had been hacked. This pattern of deception extended to false claims about previous relationships and aggressive, controlling behavior. She documented numerous incidents involving shouting matches, property damage, heavy drinking, and threats. Her account also notes that Collins lost multiple jobs due to misconduct during their time together.

The physical assault that resulted in Collins’ conviction was particularly alarming. She recounted that shortly before Christmas, Collins strangled her and pinned her against a wall by her neck, all while her young son was in the next room. Following this violent episode, she contacted the police, who responded swiftly. Collins subsequently handed himself in to authorities and was charged with assault. He pleaded guilty on January 10, 2025, accepting responsibility for his actions.

Since her public statement, other women have come forward, sharing similar stories of financial manipulation, emotional abuse, and deception involving Collins. Some of these women were unaware of each other's existence, revealing a pattern of overlapping relationships and ongoing manipulation. The police were contacted again in April after Collins filed a counter-complaint related to the survivor’s online posts. However, officers reportedly advised her to exercise caution, and no further action was taken at that time.

The survivor expressed her frustration at the lack of immediate support, noting that she shared limited evidence with a new partner, who then forwarded it to Collins. She stated, “I was contacted by another woman who said she was worried about him. I sent her some proof. She forwarded it all to him.”

As the case continues to unfold, Collins’ behavior is under intense scrutiny from law enforcement, campaigners, and advocacy groups. Experts emphasize the importance of Clare’s Law, which allows individuals to request information from police regarding a partner’s history of violence or abuse, as a vital tool in preventing further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of coercive control and the importance of vigilance in recognizing the signs of domestic abuse in Edinburgh and beyond.