JASON BUTLER SHAMES LEVEN WITH VIOLENT HAMMER ATTACK AT LOCAL PARTY

A disturbing incident unfolded during a lively gathering in Leven, Fife, culminating in a woman being struck in the face with a hammer. The events took a violent turn after an argument escalated, leading to Jason Butler, aged 30, of White Rose Terrace, Methil, appearing before Dunfermline Sheriff Court to face sentencing for his actions.

According to court records, Butler had previously admitted to a series of threatening and aggressive behaviors on the evening of November 17th last year at Gallacher Avenue, Leven. His conduct included shouting and swearing, making repeated threats of violence, and brandishing both a hammer and a bottle in a menacing manner. The court was informed that after an argument, Butler left the scene to retrieve a claw hammer from his home. He then returned to the party, swinging the hammer in one hand and clutching a bottle in the other, in a display of intimidation.

During this confrontation, Butler struck a 20-year-old woman in the face with the hammer. The force of the blow caused her glasses to be knocked from her face, and she sustained a cut that required medical attention. Witnesses reported that she was crying and had to be taken to hospital to receive stitches for her injury.

Defense solicitor Peter Mullin described Butler’s actions as out of character and emphasized the emotional and psychological state of his client at the time. Mullin explained that the incident was provoked by a comment made by the complainant, which was particularly upsetting given the context. He stated, “He accepts this is a serious matter and it appears to be completely out of character for him. His position is the complainer said something incredibly provocative. It was two weeks since his baby was still-born and a comment was made that she was happy this had happened. At that time he was not coping well and was drinking heavily. The comment made was an upsetting one made at an upsetting time. He’s had an exceptionally difficult year and may still have some unresolved issues regarding the tragic death of his baby.”

It was also revealed that Butler was already serving a community payback order at the time of the incident. The court heard that his actions were not justified, regardless of any provocative remarks made by others. Sheriff Charles MacNair addressed Butler directly, stating, “Whatever may have been said by one of the girls that was no justification for your actions. It’s only your lack of any previous offence of violence that keeps you out of prison today.”

Ultimately, the sheriff decided against imprisonment. Instead, Butler was sentenced to a community payback order requiring 200 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £700 in compensation to the victim, and a four-month restriction of liberty order to prevent him from leaving the area during that period.