KELVIN MILLIGAN FROM HAWICK SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE IN THE BORDERS

A man from Hawick, Kelvin Milligan, aged 44, has been found guilty of engaging in a prolonged pattern of domestic abuse against his partner over a span of nearly two years. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of his behavior, which included verbal assaults, physical violence, and invasive monitoring of his partner's personal communications.

Kelvin Milligan appeared before Jedburgh Sheriff Court to face charges related to his abusive conduct. The court was informed that between May 2020 and April 2022, Milligan subjected his partner to a series of aggressive and controlling actions at various residences across the Borders region. His actions ranged from shouting and swearing at her to more physically invasive acts that caused her injury.

Prosecutor Alasdair Fay detailed that Milligan would frequently monitor his partner’s phone, attempt to forcibly remove her from her own home, and in some instances, physically seize her, resulting in bruising. One particularly troubling incident involved Milligan demanding the return of an engagement ring. When she refused, he forcibly took the ring from her finger, causing her to sustain bruising. During the course of these incidents, Milligan also took her phone away, further asserting control over her personal communications.

The court heard that the woman confided in a friend, expressing her fear that Milligan’s behavior was escalating to the point where she believed he might kill her. This revelation underscored the severity of the situation and the danger she felt she was in.

In response to these findings, Sheriff Iain Nicol issued a series of orders aimed at preventing further harm. Milligan was ordered to participate in the Caledonian Men’s Programme for the next two years, a rehabilitative initiative designed to address domestic violence issues. Additionally, he was placed under a two-year supervision order as part of a Community Pay Back scheme. To further protect his partner, a Non-Harassment Order was issued, explicitly prohibiting Milligan from having any contact with her for the duration of two years.

Kelvin Milligan, who resides on Ruberslaw Road in Hawick, pleaded guilty to his second domestic offense. The sheriff warned him that if he were to commit another offense involving a partner or ex-partner, he would face imprisonment. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of domestic abuse cases and the ongoing efforts to prevent such behavior through judicial intervention and rehabilitative programs.