ROBERT HERRIOT'S BRUTAL DOMESTIC ABUSE IN INNERLEITHEN AND SURROUNDINGS

A man named Robert Herriot has been found guilty of a prolonged campaign of domestic abuse that spanned over a year and a month, with his actions primarily taking place in and around the town of Innerleithen. The court proceedings shed light on a disturbing pattern of harassment and intimidation directed at his former partner, revealing a series of malicious acts that caused significant emotional distress.

During the court case, it was disclosed that Herriot had initially refused to return his ex-partner's vehicle, a matter that caused tension between them. However, he eventually handed over the vehicle, but not without engaging in further troubling behavior. One particularly unsettling incident involved Herriot removing a section of paneling from his ex-partner’s car and secretly placing a piece of raw chicken inside the bodywork. The intent behind this act was to produce a foul smell, adding a layer of maliciousness to his harassment.

Herriot’s abusive conduct extended beyond vandalism. He engaged in persistent harassment, including leaving a letter on the grave of her father at Shawfield Cemetery in nearby Selkirk. This act was intended to intimidate and cause emotional pain. Additionally, he repeatedly contacted her through social media platforms and over the phone despite being explicitly asked to cease all communication. His harassment also involved making offensive and derogatory remarks about her to her new partner, further escalating the emotional toll on his victim.

The situation escalated to dangerous levels when Herriot drove his vehicle directly toward the couple, forcing them to take evasive action to avoid being hit. This reckless behavior demonstrated a blatant disregard for their safety. Moreover, Herriot continued to post offensive comments about his ex-partner on social media, showing a persistent pattern of harassment and hostility.

At 40 years old, Herriot pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to a course of conduct that was abusive and threatening. The incidents took place at various venues in Galashiels and Selkirk, occurring between April 2020 and May 14, 2021. Sheriff Peter Paterson sentenced Herriot to 18 months in prison and issued a Non-Harassment Order, which prohibits him from contacting his ex-partner for a period of five years, in an effort to protect her from further abuse.