STEVEN HERON'S BRUTAL ASSAULT IN GLENROTHES LEADS TO THREE-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

A man responsible for a violent and disturbing assault on a woman in Glenrothes has been sentenced to three years behind bars. Steven Heron, aged 39, was convicted of inflicting severe injuries during a brutal attack that took place on New Year’s Day in the town. The incident occurred at a property located on Ashton Drive, where Heron subjected his victim to a series of violent acts that have left a lasting impact.

According to court proceedings, Heron punched the woman multiple times in the face, delivering repeated blows that caused her to lose consciousness. While she was unconscious, he continued his assault by kicking her head several times, a particularly dangerous act given the unpredictable and potentially fatal consequences of head injuries. The severity of such kicks is well recognized in the legal system, as they can result in minor injuries, serious trauma, or even death.

In addition to the assault on the first woman, Heron was also found guilty of attacking a second woman during the same incident. He was accused of dragging her out of the same property, further demonstrating a pattern of violent behavior during this episode. The jury at Dunfermline Sheriff Court deliberated on the case last month before returning a guilty verdict on all charges.

During the trial, Heron’s defense lawyer, David Bell, argued for a more lenient, community-based disposal rather than immediate imprisonment. He emphasized that Heron, who maintains a long-term relationship and is a father to four children, is not known for habitual violence. Mr. Bell also pointed out that Heron’s last significant conviction was nearly two decades ago, suggesting a relatively clean record prior to this incident.

Furthermore, the defense highlighted that Heron’s concerns for his family had been heightened by a threatening letter that was posted through his door. This letter, which has been handed over to police for forensic examination, has caused additional distress and was cited as a factor influencing his state of mind at the time of the assault.

In sentencing, Sheriff Charles Macnair described the gravity of Heron’s actions. He stated, “You have been convicted of two charges of violence. Charge one was an extremely serious assault in that it involved rendering the complainer unconscious and then repeatedly kicking her on the head while she was unconscious. Kicks to the head are always very serious, as the results can be wholly unpredictable – they can be minor, serious or fatal.”

As a result, Sheriff Macnair sentenced Heron to three years in prison and imposed a one-year supervised release order. Additionally, a five-year non-harassment order was put in place to protect both victims from any further contact or intimidation from Heron.

Heron, who resides on Glen Street in Edinburgh, had initially denied the charges during the trial, claiming that another man was responsible for the assaults. The attacks occurred on January 1, 2022, and the evidence presented in court painted a stark picture of Heron’s violent conduct.

Prosecutor Laura McManus highlighted the testimony of the second victim, who described how Heron punched the first woman “five or six times,” with the last punch rendering her unconscious. She also kicked her in the face “three or four times.” The first woman, supported by a police constable, testified that she was unable to speak after the attack, describing her face as “smashed up” and her condition as barely conscious when emergency services arrived.

The court also heard a distressing 999 call made by the first woman, in which a female voice can be heard pleading, “Steven, stop it.” This call underscored the severity and brutality of the assault, leaving little doubt about the seriousness of Heron’s actions in Glenrothes.