KNIFE-WIELDING EX STALKS WOMAN — WALKS FREE WITH CURFEW

KNIFE-WIELDING EX STALKS WOMAN — WALKS FREE WITH CURFEW

A Hawick man who turned up at his ex-partner’s home armed with a knife and acting in a threatening and abusive manner has avoided jail — instead being handed a night-time curfew.

Daniel Keane, 40, admitted the alarming behaviour when he appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, where details of his conduct were laid bare.

The court heard Keane went to his former partner’s address while in possession of a blade, causing fear and distress during the incident.

Despite already being subject to bail conditions, he then breached the order by approaching the same woman again on October 29.

Sheriff Peter Paterson did not hold back, stating Keane has a history of domestic offending and shockingly appeared to believe that “women were at fault” for his actions.

In a decision that may raise eyebrows, the court heard Keane narrowly avoided custody due to mental health difficulties he was experiencing at the time of the offences.

Instead of prison, Keane has been placed under a strict curfew, confining him to his home between 7pm and 7am for the next eight months.

He was also hit with a £300 fine, plus a £20 victim surcharge for breaching bail.

On top of that, a non-harassment order has been imposed, banning him from contacting his former partner for the next two years.

The case highlights ongoing concerns around repeat domestic offenders — and the risks faced by victims even after court intervention.