ANDREW SYLVESTER SHETLAND DOMESTIC ABUSE HORROR: MAN THREATENS TO KILL PARTNER IN SIX-MONTH NIGHTMARE

In June 2025, a serious case of domestic abuse involving Andrew Sylvester, a resident of Somerset but with significant ties to Shetland, came to light through court proceedings. Sylvester, aged 55, pleaded guilty to a series of violent and abusive acts directed at his partner over a period stretching from June 1, 2024, to January 25, 2025. The court was informed that Sylvester subjected his partner to both physical violence and verbal assaults during this tumultuous timeframe, which was marked by alcohol-fueled episodes of rage.

According to court records, Sylvester’s violent behavior included hitting his partner with a gas bottle, throwing a lamp and photo frames at her, and physically grabbing her by the neck and arms. During these episodes, he also called her derogatory names, often while intoxicated. The court was told that these attacks appeared to occur without any clear provocation, often seemingly for no reason at all. Despite the severity of the abuse, Sylvester’s partner chose not to pursue a non-harassment order and expressed her desire to continue their relationship, a detail that the court noted with concern.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank indicated that he would need to consider whether to impose a harassment order to protect Sylvester’s partner, given the circumstances. The case was further detailed during a lengthy narration from procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie, who explained that Sylvester’s alcohol consumption worsened following the sudden death of his brother. This loss appeared to have significantly affected Sylvester, leading to increased volatility and aggressive behavior.

One incident involved Sylvester pushing his partner out of the way as she attempted to retrieve a gas BBQ from the shed during a power outage. When she questioned his actions, Sylvester swung a gas bottle at her, striking her leg and causing bruising. Neighbors heard the commotion and witnessed the argument, during which Sylvester’s partner pleaded with him to stay away and stop drinking. Sylvester responded with a confrontational remark, saying, “So you’re standing up to me now?”

Another disturbing episode occurred on November 5, 2024, when Sylvester seized his partner’s neck for between 10 and 20 seconds while making threats. Although he did not apply enough pressure to cause serious harm, red marks were visible on her neck, which a neighbor observed. The court also heard about an incident on January 24, 2025, when Sylvester returned home from work and discovered a small amount of handwash on the kitchen worktop. This seemingly trivial matter triggered a violent outburst, with Sylvester shouting at his partner and criticizing her for her actions. His partner admitted to placing the handwash there, but Sylvester responded with profanity, telling her she should “f***ing know better.”

Following this, she and her daughter left the house to allow Sylvester to cool down. When they returned, Sylvester demanded to know what was for dinner. Later that evening, Sylvester, who had been drinking heavily, accused his partner of being upstairs for 45 minutes when she had only been there for about 10 minutes. He verbally abused her, calling her “disgusting,” and when she asked him to turn a bedside lamp back on, he responded by swinging it at her. She managed to deflect the lamp, which instead hit Sylvester and caused a bloody nose.

They then went downstairs to clean up the blood, during which Sylvester threatened to push her down the stairs and expressed a desire to have a knife on him. He attempted to take a bottle of whisky, but his partner took it away. In a violent moment, Sylvester grabbed her by the neck again until she released her grip. He then slammed two kitchen cupboards so forcefully that they fell off their hinges and threw photo frames at his partner, smashing them. The most alarming threat came when Sylvester grabbed her once more by the neck and declared his intention to kill her.

In a desperate attempt to seek help, the woman instructed her child to call the police. Sylvester released her and left the home before law enforcement arrived. The woman subsequently contacted the police to report the incident. Her defense lawyer, William McKay, described Sylvester as “very remorseful” and “deeply ashamed,” acknowledging the seriousness of his actions. McKay explained that Sylvester’s behavior was heavily influenced by the recent death of his brother and that grief can manifest in different ways. He reserved further mitigation until additional reports could be prepared.

Judge Ian Cruickshank decided to defer sentencing to allow for a criminal justice social work report to be completed. The court also continued its consideration of whether a non-harassment order was necessary to protect Sylvester’s partner. Sylvester is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on July 9.

Earlier in March 2025, Sylvester appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court, where he was charged with domestic abuse. He did not enter a plea and was remanded for further examination, with bail granted. The next court date was yet to be confirmed at that time.