KIERAN MARKO FROM KIRKCALDY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER THREATENING HIS PARTNER WITH LOADED CROSSBOW
A man from Kirkcaldy narrowly avoided being sent to prison after a series of alarming and violent incidents involving his partner, which culminated in him threatening her with a loaded crossbow.The incident took place within the context of a prolonged period of domestic abuse that lasted over a month, prompting a court hearing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court to determine appropriate sentencing.
Kieran Marko, aged 23 and residing on Hendry Crescent in Kirkcaldy, appeared before the court to face charges related to his aggressive behavior and threats.
The court heard that Marko had admitted to engaging in a pattern of abusive conduct towards his partner, which included multiple instances of violence and intimidation.
As part of his sentencing, he was ordered to undertake the maximum permissible hours of unpaid community work and was placed under a curfew, restricting his movements from 7 pm to 7 am for a period of three months.
Additionally, a court order was issued to protect his victim for the next two years, emphasizing the seriousness of the threats and violence involved.
The court proceedings revealed that during a trial earlier this year, Marko acknowledged his abusive actions.
His partner was compelled to testify against him, describing the incidents that occurred between December 2, 2023, and January 1, 2024.
Marko admitted to shouting and behaving aggressively towards her on at least one occasion.
More disturbingly, he took a loaded crossbow, pointed it directly at her, and made violent threats, which could have resulted in serious injury or death.
Further incidents included Marko grabbing his partner by the wrists and throat on separate occasions, demonstrating a pattern of escalating violence.
On one occasion, he attempted to choke her again, and during another, he seized the loaded crossbow once more, questioning whether she had contacted the police while issuing more threats.
These actions left the woman injured and traumatized.
Marko also breached a specific bail condition designed to protect his partner, an offense for which he was admonished by the court.
In his defense, solicitor Calum Harris explained that Marko accepted full responsibility for his actions.
He noted that his client had limited memory of the incidents due to intoxication at the time and expressed belief that the victim was truthful.
Harris highlighted that Marko has a relatively clean criminal record, is employed part-time, and is dealing with issues such as alcohol dependency and ADHD.
He emphasized that the incident served as a wake-up call for Marko and that he is willing to engage with community-based rehabilitation programs.
Judge Sheriff Craig McSherry ultimately decided on a sentence that avoided imprisonment.
Marko was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, placed under supervision for a year, and subjected to a two-year non-harassment order to prevent any contact with his victim.
The court's decision reflects a focus on rehabilitation and community safety, recognizing the severity of the threats involving a loaded weapon but opting for a penal approach that emphasizes correction over incarceration.
