PETERHEAD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DOMESTIC ABUSE AFTER TERRIFYING 999 CALL
A man from Peterhead has pleaded guilty to domestic abuse charges after the court heard a harrowing 999 call made by his former partner.Andrew Skelton, aged 40, initially denied assaulting his ex-girlfriend, prompting a trial at Peterhead Sheriff Court.
However, once the court played an incriminating call during which Skelton’s victim shouted “He’s got a f***ing machete!”, he changed his plea to guilty.
The court proceedings detailed a violent assault where Skelton pulled the woman by her hair, threw her to the ground, and held a knife against her neck.
The victim provided evidence describing an “off and on” relationship spanning around six years, and recounted an incident on January 12 where police had been called to her residence.
She said Skelton, under the influence of tablets, had shouted aggressively, pushed her to the floor, and demanded money.
She hid in her bathroom as Skelton broke through the door and assaulted her again, injuring her head and body, while searching her belongings for a bank card.
Skelton also threatened to take his own life and hers, telling her “I’m not scared to take my own life and I will take you with me”.
The court played a distressing 17-minute recording of the 999 call, in which she screamed, pleaded for him to stop, and mentioned he had a machete and had hurt her.
During the call, she was heard pleading “please stop”, “he’s battering me”, “he’s just punched my face”, and again calling for help.
She also described her fears that Skelton might stab the police, whom she could hear entering the property.
The woman told the call handler that Skelton had threatened to “stab the police if they come in”.
Following this, Skelton, who was present in court, admitted charges of assault, threats of violence towards the police, and attempting to kick an officer.
He was also subject to a non-harassment order, with sentencing deferred until July 8 for further background reports.
The sheriff noted that Skelton had not offended for several years and expressed interest in reviewing his background circumstances before sentencing.
