STEPHEN DOWNTON FROM MOSSBANK, SHETLAND, CHARGED WITH BRUTAL ASSAULT IN LOCAL HOME

A woman from Shetland believed her life was in imminent danger when her partner, Stephen Downton, subjected her to a violent and relentless assault, leaving her fearing for her safety during a harrowing incident that unfolded over several hours. The incident was detailed during a court hearing at Lerwick Sheriff Court, where Downton, aged 47, pleaded guilty to charges of assault against his partner.

Despite the victim expressing her desire to continue the relationship and stating she did not wish to pursue a non-harassment order, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank indicated that he might consider imposing such an order when the case resumes next month. The court was informed that Downton’s defense lawyer, Gregor Kelly, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and the possibility of a custodial sentence, emphasizing the gravity of the charges faced by his client.

The court proceedings revealed that the violent episode occurred on the evening of May 17, 2024, extending into the early hours of the following morning. The victim and Downton had been in a relationship for approximately two and a half years at the time of the assault. The incident took place at the woman’s home in Shetland, where they had been drinking together with her cousin. The court heard that Downton’s behavior was characterized as “relentless,” as he pursued her around the house in a fit of rage, despite her tearful pleas for him to stop.

Procurator Fiscal Duncan MacKenzie described how Downton repeatedly struck the woman, slapping her face with the back of his hand. He also twisted her fingers, forcefully knocked her head against a door, and caused a bloody injury to her mouth when he kicked her chin. The assault escalated when Downton wrapped his arm around her neck, applying pressure for between 10 and 20 seconds, during which she struggled to breathe. The woman later told police, “I thought he was going to kill me.”

The violence was further compounded by an earlier argument that day involving Downton and the woman’s adult son. After Downton left the residence following the dispute, he returned later that evening heavily intoxicated. According to the court, Downton fell asleep on the sofa but woke up in a “belligerent” state. He then reignited the argument, again bringing up the woman’s son and accusing her of defending him, which led to further unpleasant exchanges.

In an attempt to escape the escalating violence, the woman fled her home and returned with a mutual friend. She demanded that Downton leave, which he initially did, but he returned almost immediately and resumed his aggressive behavior. During this time, he pursued her around the house and struck her face again. The woman’s cousin, witnessing the situation, attempted to call the police but was initially too frightened to do so openly. Instead, she discreetly dialed 999 while the phone was in her pocket, capturing the background sounds of Downton’s violent actions as the victim tried to evade him.

Police arrived shortly after the call was made and found the woman visibly distressed, with obvious facial injuries. Although she did not require medical treatment, she had significant bruising around both eyes and a cut beneath her lower lip. The court heard that Downton’s actions left her in a state of shock and distress. Gregor Kelly requested that the case be adjourned to allow for the preparation of reports, and Sheriff Cruickshank agreed, scheduling the next hearing for April 9th.