FIFE MONSTER CAGED: PARTNER TIED, BEATEN & CHOKED IN FOUR-HOUR ORDEAL
A violent offender from Fife has received an extended sentence after subjecting his former partner to a terrifying and prolonged attack.Stephen Gilmartin admitted abducting and assaulting the woman, as well as later breaching bail, bringing his case to a conclusion at Dundee Sheriff Court.
The court heard that Gilmartin restrained the woman by binding her hands and feet before choking her until she drifted in and out of consciousness.
The ordeal lasted around four hours and only ended when the victim managed to escape and alert police, collapsing into officers’ arms in distress.
During sentencing, the sheriff said the attack was so sustained and brutal that it was clear Gilmartin intended to inflict serious harm.
The court noted that the victim genuinely believed she was going to die and has suffered significant psychological trauma as a result.
Concerns were also raised about Gilmartin’s lack of empathy and continued risk to the public, particularly to anyone he may form a relationship with.
The defence stated that Gilmartin had experienced severe childhood trauma and struggled with mental health issues, compounded by failing to take prescribed medication.
The court also heard of previous convictions, including a serious high-court case in which he used a makeshift bladed weapon to attack a man.
For the latest offences, Gilmartin was handed a total sentence of six and a half years — 54 months to be served in custody plus an additional term for breaching bail — along with a ten-year non-harassment order.
His sentence was backdated to September 2024, when he was first remanded.
