ANDREW BROWN OF KIRKCALDY SENTENCED TO JUST 12 MONTHS FOR BRUTAL DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS

Andrew Kirk Brown, a 41-year-old man from Kirkcaldy, was convicted of a series of heinous acts of domestic abuse and sexual violence against his partner, yet received a surprisingly lenient sentence of only 12 months in prison. His disturbing history of manipulation, violence, and coercion spanned several years, beginning in 2014 when he initially ingratiated himself into his victim’s life under the guise of charm.

Over time, Brown’s true nature emerged as he subjected his partner to relentless physical and emotional abuse. Court proceedings revealed that he used intimidation and violence to maintain control, isolating her from friends and family, and even manipulating her financial independence. His victim was forced to surrender money to fund his drug addiction, and he was known to threaten her with death if she attempted to leave the relationship.

The court heard harrowing details of a particularly brutal incident in October 2017, when Brown, in a violent rage, strangled his partner and brandished a fishing knife at her, terrifying her into submission. The abuse did not cease there; for the following two years, Brown continued to threaten her, including a chilling warning that he would set fire to her child's belongings if she pursued a relationship with another man.

Authorities intervened in 2019 after the victim reported ongoing harassment. Kirkcaldy police responded, leading to a Non-Harassment Order being issued against Brown by Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on January 13, 2021. The court found him guilty of multiple assaults under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, and prohibited him from contacting his victim for a period of five years.

Despite the severity of his crimes, Brown was sentenced to a mere 12 months at HMP Edinburgh. He served only six months before being released on July 14, 2021. The victim later reported that Brown continued to harass her even after his release, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system in safeguarding victims of domestic abuse.

Campaigners and domestic abuse charities have criticized what they describe as a “soft touch” approach to sentencing, arguing that it fails to adequately protect survivors and deters justice. They are calling for stricter restrictions and more robust measures to prevent known abusers from reoffending or continuing their coercive control after serving time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Contact Scottish Women’s Aid at 0800 027 1234 or Police Scotland at 101, or dial 999 in emergencies.