BARRY JOHNSTON OF DUNFERMLINE SENTENCED FOR STALKING AND OFFENCES

In November 2024, a man from Dunfermline named Barry Johnston began following a woman shortly after she ended their brief relationship. Despite her clear desire to cut ties, Johnston remained delusional, believing they could reconcile. His behavior resulted in a one-year electronic tagging order, and he fled the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court after hearing the sentences for multiple offences.

Johnston, aged 46 and residing on Bute Crescent, previously pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis resin and diamorphine (heroin) unlawfully at his home on August 4 last year. He also admitted possessing an offensive weapon, a knuckleduster.

Between September 25 and October 18, 2022, in Glenrothes and elsewhere across Fife, Johnston engaged in persistent stalking of his former partner. This included sending numerous messages on social media, emails, making phone calls, and contacting her friends and family.

A depute fiscal, Azrah Yousaf, explained that the woman had met Johnston at a gym. They had a brief relationship which she ended because she “always felt on edge when she was with him.” Despite her ending the relationship, Johnston refused to accept it, repeatedly messaging her with mixed messages, including expressions of love and hate. He even told her he hoped her father, who was battling cancer, would die.

Her defense solicitor, Alan Davie, commented: “He should be old enough to deal with the end of a relationship.”

Sheriff Susan Duff noted: “It doesn’t seem like there was much of a relationship.”

The court sentenced Johnston to a one-year restriction of liberty order and issued a two-year non-harassment order. However, before the sheriff clerk could confirm the sentencing details, Johnston fled from the dock and exited the court building.