ARRAN ADEY FROM COWDENBEATH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC DOMESTIC ABUSE AND PET MUTILATION IN EDINBURGH AND CUMBERNAULD
Arran Swift, also known as Arran Adey, a man with a long history of violent and abusive behavior, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes committed across multiple locations, including Cowdenbeath, Edinburgh, and Cumbernauld.Born around 1986 and originally from Cowdenbeath in Fife, Swift’s criminal record is extensive, marked by domestic abuse, stalking, and violent assaults, with his latest offenses involving the brutal killing and mutilation of a pet hamster named Timmy, as well as threats and physical violence against his partner.
The disturbing incident involving Timmy came to light after Swift sent a chilling message to his partner, stating, “Timmy isn’t going to survive.” This message prompted police to investigate further.
When officers arrived at the property, they discovered the small hamster’s lifeless body, along with blood splatters on the walls where the animal had been thrown, and a bloodstained hammer covered in hair.
The police findings confirmed the worst fears, revealing a scene of violence and cruelty.
The court heard that Swift’s abusive behavior towards his partner began after they entered into a relationship in 2018 or 2019.
The abuse was relentless and included physical violence, controlling behavior, and emotional torment.
The fiscal depute, Ronnie Hay, detailed how Swift’s actions escalated over time, especially after the couple separated in September 2021.
Despite their breakup, Swift continued to harass and threaten his former partner, making 391 calls between September 6 and 16, 2021, many of which contained threatening messages.
One such message ominously warned, “Timmy isn’t going to survive.
Where are you?….bad move, goodbye.” Police responded to the woman’s reports and found evidence that Swift was still residing at her former address.
The investigation led to the grim discovery of Timmy’s body, with police noting the hamster appeared to have been struck off the wall.
An SSPCA inspector confirmed the animal’s death, finding blood spatters and a bloodied hammer with hair on it.
The cruelty extended beyond the pet, as Swift had previously trapped the woman inside her home, tied her hands, and followed her around, even watching her use the toilet.
On another occasion, he assaulted her, causing her to lose consciousness in the bathroom.
After she initially left him, Swift broke into her house, stole jewelry and photographs, and told her he had taken “things that matter to you.” He then lured her to a Travelodge in Edinburgh promising to return her belongings, but instead, he assaulted her with a gin bottle.
Swift’s violent streak was further demonstrated by thefts, threats to kill her and her family, and claims that he had installed cameras in her home.
His pattern of coercive and controlling behavior persisted over a period of 16 months, during which he engaged in multiple acts of violence and intimidation.
Swift, currently detained in Edinburgh, admitted to engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive towards his partner or ex-partner across various addresses in Fife, Edinburgh, and Cumbernauld from October 2020 to January 2022.
Due to the severity of his crimes, the case was transferred to the High Court in Dundee for sentencing.
During the sentencing hearing, Lord Arthurson described Swift’s actions as “sadistic” and emphasized the high risk he poses to the public.
The court was presented with reports indicating that Swift exhibits extreme violence, controlling tendencies, and a lack of empathy.
The judge highlighted that Swift has a history of violent offenses, including eight previous partners, with concerning behavior towards seven of them.
His criminal record includes 19 prison terms, with a notable conviction in 2012 for hamesucken and robbery, where he and a co-accused threatened a woman with a screwdriver, tied her up, and cut her telephone line.
In the recent case, Swift’s conduct was described as involving extreme violence, including the use of weapons such as a knife and glass bottle, and physical assaults that rendered his victim unconscious.
His actions also included threats to kill and burn her house down, as well as the mutilation of her pet.
The court noted that Swift’s behavior was sustained, coercive, and highly dangerous, spanning over 16 months while he was on a community payback order for similar offenses.
Given the gravity and pattern of his offending, Lord Arthurson determined that Swift poses a significant threat to public safety and ordered a lifelong restriction order, effectively an indeterminate imprisonment.
The punishment part of the sentence was set at three years and nine months, which Swift must serve before he can apply for parole.
However, the order emphasizes that release is contingent upon the Parole Board’s assessment of whether he no longer poses a danger.
The court also imposed a lifelong non-harassment order, prohibiting Swift from approaching or contacting the victim in any manner indefinitely.
Despite his extensive criminal history, including 19 previous prison terms and ongoing community orders, Swift’s latest offenses and the risk assessments led the court to conclude that he remains a danger to society.
The sentence backdates to his initial remand date of 21 January 2022, ensuring that his time in custody is fully accounted for.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing supervision and restrictions to protect the public from further harm.
