‘HE CONTROLLED MY WHOLE LIFE’: RAPE SURVIVOR URGES WOMEN TO SPEAK OUT AND GET JUSTICE
As Andrew Gardiner begins serving an eight-year prison term, his ex-partner recounts how she endured a mental breakdown following thirteen years of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.Throughout this period of offending, which also involved threats, abusive conduct, and stalking, Gardiner, aged 53, systematically isolated her from friends and family, contributing to her mental health decline.
She stated that the sentence handed down at Aberdeen High Court was the "best justice" she could have received.
She also revealed, "I will never be the same, I’m still picking up the pieces years on." Gardiner was found guilty of raping her, domestic abuse, coercive control, and repeatedly attempting to contact her despite a court order forbidding him from doing so.
Judge Graham Buchanan sentenced him to eight years in prison, ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, and imposed a non-harassment order for ten years.
The woman spoke about Gardiner’s manipulation, gaslighting, and domination over every aspect of her life, including monitoring her calls and messages through a phone purchased in his name, controlling her medication, and keeping her away from her family.
She also described his two-faced behavior — alternating between moments of affection and periods of violence or silence — which left her feeling like she was walking on eggshells.
She expressed hope that sharing her experience will inspire others to seek help and report abuse, emphasizing that staying silent does not prevent violence and that assistance is available.
