JOSEPH DARCY FROM KIRKCALDY CONVICTED OF ASSAULTING GIRLFRIEND IN DUNFERMLINE

A man from Kirkcaldy, Joseph Darcy, aged 40, has been convicted of assaulting his girlfriend, Amber Paton, despite her providing evidence in his favor during the trial. Darcy was found guilty of causing injuries to Amber when they visited his sister at a flat on Dunfermline’s Clunie Road on December 11.

Both Darcy, who resides on Lawson Street in Kirkcaldy, and Amber denied the assault, claiming that her injuries resulted from an earlier altercation with another woman in an alley near Dunfermline bus station that same day. However, evidence presented at Dunfermline Sheriff Court included a police witness who described being called to the flat later that night by neighbors and observed cuts and bruises on Amber’s face.

Police had initially responded to a call about shouting from neighbors. During questioning, Darcy admitted he was arguing with his sister, Lisa Darcy. PC Lauren Reid reported her findings: upon entering the flat, she saw Amber with a swollen face, cuts, and bruises, all indicative of recent injuries. The scene was described as having a blow-up mattress and glasses on the floor, while Amber was crying and hesitant to explain what had happened.

Neighbors testified hearing screaming and a woman repeatedly saying “get off of me,” with one neighbor witnessing a man on top of a woman in bed through a door but not seeing her face. Darcy’s account of being at Dunfermline bus station and witnessing a fight was contradicted by both his girlfriend and sister, who stated he was with them throughout the incident.

The trial also revealed inconsistencies in alcohol consumption reports from Darcy, Amber, and his sister. Sheriff Pino di Emidio convicted Darcy, noting that the evidence was circumstantial since there was no direct eyewitness. Darcy also admitted to approaching his partner during a period when he was on bail, violating his bail conditions.

Sentencing has been deferred until March 18 at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where Darcy was released on bail. The court emphasized that the case relied on circumstantial evidence, as no direct eyewitness testimony was available. The conviction covers causing injuries to Amber Paton’s face and head by means unknown to the prosecution and also includes a finding of guilty for breaching bail by approaching her.