LEE HENDERSON ABERDEEN VIOLENCE AND ABUSE CASE LEAVES VICTIM RELIEVED

The case involving Lee Henderson, a 28-year-old man from Aberdeen, has culminated in his sentencing to over two years behind bars following a series of violent and abusive acts directed at his former partner during her pregnancy. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct that spanned several months, during which Henderson subjected his partner to relentless physical violence, verbal insults, and threatening behavior.

According to the details presented at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Henderson’s abusive conduct persisted over a period of approximately six months. His actions included physical assaults, demeaning language, and verbal abuse aimed at his partner, who was pregnant at the time. The court also heard that Henderson admitted to two separate assaults involving children, one of which involved restraining a child's breathing, highlighting the severity of his violent tendencies.

The victim, visibly emotional, expressed her relief following the sentencing. She stated, “I have waited for three years for this court case to be heard, but justice has finally been done. What he did to me is not something that can be easily forgotten but my family can finally put this behind us and get on with our lives.” She further shared her hopes for the future, saying she can now “look forward to not being scared of life” and to starting anew, free from the shadow of her former partner’s violence.

The court was informed that Henderson and his partner first met in July 2020. Their relationship began to deteriorate after she became pregnant. By December 2020, Henderson’s behavior had become increasingly aggressive; he was shouting and swearing at her, calling her offensive names, and accusing her of theft. His alcohol consumption also escalated, which appeared to fuel his aggressive outbursts. The situation worsened in January 2021 when Henderson physically assaulted her by kicking her down stairs, causing her to fall onto her stomach while she was pregnant. Following this, he spat in her face and pushed her over a wall, further demonstrating his violent tendencies.

As the months progressed, Henderson’s abuse intensified. He continued to verbally demean her, calling her “a waste of space” and “the worst mistake he had made.” In March 2021, he twisted her arm, laughing as she cried out in pain. The violence reached a frightening peak on June 5, when Henderson stormed into her bathroom while she was in the bath. He shouted threats, including, “I will just f****** drown you,” which left her terrified. She was compelled to seek help from a neighbor after calling her mother for support.

Henderson admitted to one charge of abusive behavior towards his former partner, which included assaulting her while she was pregnant. He also confessed to two assaults involving children, one of which involved restraining a child's breathing, underscoring the dangerous nature of his actions. The sheriff overseeing the case acknowledged the seriousness of these offenses, especially considering the vulnerability of the victim during her pregnancy. In light of the severity and the prolonged nature of the abuse, Henderson was sentenced to 26 months in prison. Additionally, a five-year non-harassment order was imposed to prevent further contact or intimidation.

The judge emphasized that the gravity and duration of Henderson’s abusive conduct warranted a custodial sentence, reflecting the court’s commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring justice is served.