ROBERT SIMMONS FROM SANDNESS, SHETLAND, SENTENCED FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Sandness in Shetland, Robert Simmons, a 62-year-old man, has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison after admitting to a series of serious domestic abuse charges spanning nearly three decades. The court heard that Simmons, a self-employed crofter, was responsible for a pattern of violent and controlling behavior directed at his wife, with the abuse beginning in 1988 and continuing up to the present year.

During the proceedings at Lerwick Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Simmons had committed at least 11 different offences related to his treatment of his wife. These included physically assaulting her, forcing her into the trunk of a car, and subjecting her to cold water hosing. The court was told that Simmons’s actions were part of a sustained campaign of control and violence, which severely impacted his wife’s mental and emotional well-being.

The court heard that the couple had been together for more than 33 years, with 30 of those years spent as a married couple. Over this period, Simmons imposed strict routines on his wife, often dictating her daily schedule in 15-minute segments and requiring her to keep notebooks to monitor her activities. At one point, she was so overwhelmed by his controlling behavior that she fled from their home. However, Simmons pursued her and forcibly placed her into the boot of an estate car, an act that exemplified the severity of his coercive tactics.

It was also disclosed that the victim had lost her sense of self-worth over the years due to the relentless abuse. The court was told that her courage to speak out was first shown in 2015 when she contacted the local Women’s Aid branch for help. Her decision to come forward was described as a significant step in seeking justice after enduring years of degradation and suffering.

Sheriff Philip Mann, who presided over the case, emphasized that some of the charges alone could have warranted a custodial sentence. He described the offences as part of a “degraded and devastating” campaign of abuse that had a profound impact on the victim’s life. The sheriff made it clear that domestic abuse in any form would not be tolerated within the community of Shetland.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Mann ordered Simmons to have no further contact with his wife, underscoring the seriousness of the case. The prosecution was represented by Duncan Mackenzie, who described the case as one of the worst he had ever encountered. Defense lawyer Tommy Allan acknowledged that Simmons recognized his wrongdoings and claimed that his client now sees things differently.

Police Scotland’s Detective Inspector Andy Logan commented on the case, stating, “Robert Simmons is a controlling individual who subjected his victim to sustained abuse and suffering over the course of decades. The suffering he inflicted is deplorable, and I would like to pay tribute to the strength of character shown by his victim in coming forward and ultimately helping to bring Simmons to justice.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting effects of domestic abuse and the importance of speaking out against such behavior.