SHEA DONNELLY'S CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR IN DUNFERMLINE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Over a distressing four-day period, Shea Donnelly, aged 21, engaged in a series of aggressive and threatening communications with his former partner from within the confines of Polmont Young Offenders Institution (YOI). Despite his recent release, his address remains listed as Polmont YOI, highlighting the ongoing legal and custodial issues surrounding his case.

On the previous Thursday, Donnelly appeared before Falkirk Sheriff Court to face charges related to his conduct towards his ex-partner, with whom he had a three-year relationship and with whom he had a child. The court proceedings revealed that Donnelly had admitted to engaging in a pattern of abusive behavior directed at his former partner between February 8 and February 12.

According to Procurator Fiscal depute Sarah Smith, the relationship had been a complex one. The couple had been living together, and during Donnelly's incarceration, the woman maintained contact with him by visiting four or five times weekly and receiving numerous phone calls. Despite the physical separation, Donnelly’s influence and control persisted through these communications.

The trouble intensified when the woman decided to end her relationship with Donnelly, who was still serving his sentence at the time. Despite the breakup, Donnelly continued to call her repeatedly, making alarming comments during these conversations. He threatened to take their child away and leave the country, asserting that the child did not need anyone but him.

Investigations revealed a significant volume of calls from the prison to the woman’s mobile phone, as well as to the home of her parents, where she was residing. The court heard that Donnelly’s tone was aggressive, especially when discussing his views on the care she was providing for their child.

In one particularly disturbing statement, Donnelly declared, “I’m not letting you take my child away – that’s one thing I’m not letting you do. No one will do that to me – I will kill them. I think you all underestimate me a wee bit.” He further added, “I don’t think you realize what I would do for them, because I tell you I will kill for them when I get out.”

His threats extended beyond the woman to her mother, whom he warned would be “sorry” when he was released from the YOI, blaming her for his incarceration. The court was also told that Donnelly was upset when his former partner mentioned going out with friends, accusing her of not giving him enough attention and insisting she should be “waiting on him getting out of jail.”

Furthermore, Donnelly claimed to have “several ways of finding out what she has been up to,” suggesting he had people monitoring her activities. These threats and controlling behaviors underscored the seriousness of his actions.

Since his release in April, Donnelly has not made any contact with his former partner. Instead, he has been pursuing legal avenues to gain access to his child without her involvement, indicating ongoing tensions and legal disputes.

Community members in Dunfermline, where Donnelly is known, are now concerned about the implications of his behavior and the safety of those involved. The court proceedings continue to highlight the dangers posed by individuals who misuse their authority and influence, especially when incarcerated.