STEPHEN WHITEHURST FROM FIFE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER VIOLENT ATTACK ON PARTNERS IN SCOTLAND

An incident involving Stephen Whitehurst, a man with ties to Fife, has garnered significant attention following a violent assault on his former and current partners. The case was heard at Elgin Sheriff Court, where the court was informed of the disturbing events that unfolded over a series of years, highlighting a pattern of aggressive behavior and domestic violence.

According to court proceedings, Lynn Ward, the most recent victim, expressed her desire to maintain her relationship with Whitehurst despite her fears for her safety. She revealed that Whitehurst had repeatedly pinned her down and suffocated her after she was caught smoking, an act she had recently quit. Her plea for mercy was a key factor in the court’s decision to avoid imposing a custodial sentence.

The court also heard about a previous assault involving Whitehurst and his former partner, Katrina Matthew, who was five months pregnant with his child at the time. The incident occurred after their relationship ended, specifically on November 10, 2013, when Ms. Matthew asked Whitehurst to leave her flat in Forres. This earlier episode was part of a series of violent encounters that spanned several years.

Most notably, on the night of August 23 last year, Whitehurst attacked Lynn Ward during a gathering at St Brydes Court in Lhanbryde. The altercation was triggered when Whitehurst discovered Ms. Ward sharing a cigarette with friends, despite her recent efforts to quit smoking. The argument quickly escalated into a prolonged and intense ordeal that lasted approximately seven hours. During this time, Whitehurst repeatedly grabbed Ms. Ward by her wrists, neck, hair, and body, forcefully pinning her to a sofa with his full weight. Several times, he pressed his hand over her nose and mouth, restricting her breathing and causing her to feel dizzy.

Witnesses and court reports describe how Ms. Ward believed her life was in danger during the assault. She attempted to free herself, even resorting to scratching Whitehurst’s eyes in a desperate bid to escape. In response, Whitehurst punched her three times, causing bleeding, and challenged her to continue fighting. The situation was dire, with the violence lasting for hours, although there were moments when it temporarily subsided.

Prosecutor Ruairidh McAlister emphasized the severity of the attack, stating, “She thought her life was in danger. She tried to break free and at one point had her fingers in his eye.”

In sentencing, Sheriff John Rafferty acknowledged the brutality of the assault, describing it as a “very considerable act of violence” against someone who was clearly terrified. The sheriff noted that the violence persisted over several hours, although there were intervals of respite. He also highlighted the importance of the letter written by Lynn Ward, which influenced the court’s decision.

Instead of jail time, Whitehurst was sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work and ordered to complete a 20-week domestic abuse course. Additionally, the court imposed a restriction that he must not be alone in private with Ms. Ward for a period of six months, as part of measures to prevent further incidents. The court’s leniency was largely attributed to the circumstances and the victim’s plea for mercy, underscoring the ongoing concerns about domestic violence in the region.