BENNY MURRAY OF LESLIE FIFE SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND VIOLENCE

Benny Murray, a man originally from Edinburgh with strong ties to Livingston, Blackburn, Bathgate, and other parts of West Lothian, has been convicted of a series of violent crimes and acts of animal cruelty. His criminal activities span several years and include both assaults on humans and heinous acts against animals, leading to significant legal repercussions.

In 2016, Murray was found guilty of multiple offenses involving domestic violence and animal abuse. The court heard that he had attacked women, including former partners, by throttling them and biting one of them during violent altercations. His violence extended beyond humans, as he also inflicted harm on animals, notably biting a dog and fatally injuring a cat. These incidents were part of a broader pattern of violent behavior that alarmed authorities and the community alike.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge John Morris QC addressed Murray directly, stating, “You pled guilty to a series of violent offences against humans and indeed animals.” The judge emphasized the danger Murray posed to the public, citing reports that clearly indicated he was a continuing risk. As a result, the court ordered that Murray remain under supervision for an additional two years to mitigate the threat he posed.

In addition to the supervision order, Murray received a five-month jail sentence, to be served concurrently, for his crimes against animals. The court also imposed a ten-year ban on owning or caring for any animals, reflecting the severity of his cruelty. Murray had a history of keeping various pets and admitted to mistreating dogs and causing unnecessary suffering to animals, which contributed to the court’s decision.

Further details of Murray’s criminal record reveal a disturbing pattern of animal cruelty. In 2014, he and Brandon Robb, a known sex offender and serial animal abuser from Paterson Cottages, Leslie, Fife, stole thirty baby ducks from a farm. Robb later posted pictures of some of the dead ducklings on his social media account, showcasing the brutal nature of their crimes. Robb, who has his own notorious history of sadistic animal abuse, was convicted of using his lurcher dog to kill a rare piebald deer, resulting in a four-year prison sentence, including five months specifically for crimes against animals. Robb’s ban from owning or caring for animals is set to expire in February 2026.

As of July 2022, Benny Murray is believed to be residing at St Thomas, Skinners Steps, Cupar, KY15 4DW. He maintains connections to the areas of Cupar, Kirkcaldy, Leven, and Glenrothes in Fife, but his roots are in Edinburgh, with family ties extending to Livingston, Blackburn, Bathgate, and West Lothian. Currently, Murray is engaged to Donna Stewart, a woman with learning difficulties who lives in Ashgrove, Methilhill, Leven KY8 2DU. The couple appears to share a kitten, indicating some ongoing personal relationships despite his criminal history.