BEN RAMSAY OF MUSSELBURGH AND ORMITSTON FACES COURT OVER ABUSE AND THREATS INVOLVING CHILD AND PARTNER

An individual from Ormiston has appeared before the court following serious allegations of abuse involving his former partner and a young child. Ben Ramsay, aged 30, was accused of engaging in a prolonged pattern of abusive behavior that spanned over a period of approximately 30 months, primarily at an address in Musselburgh.

According to court documents, Ramsay repeatedly subjected his former partner to a series of aggressive and controlling actions. His conduct included shouting, swearing, and making threats of violence, which created a threatening environment for the woman. The allegations also state that Ramsay made offensive remarks towards her and issued threats to damage property at their shared residence in Musselburgh. These actions are said to have taken place from July 1, 2022, through to January 1 of this year.

In addition to the abuse directed at the woman, Ramsay's behavior extended to a nine-year-old child residing at the same address. Between December 16, 2023, and October 5 of the previous year, Ramsay reportedly shouted, swore, and acted aggressively towards the young boy. Court papers reveal that Ramsay also uttered threats of violence towards the child and made offensive remarks. Most alarmingly, on one occasion, he brandished a hammer at the child, an act that significantly heightened the severity of the allegations.

Ramsay, who resides on Main Street in Musselburgh, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last Thursday to face these charges. He pleaded guilty to both sets of offenses—his abusive conduct towards his former partner and his threatening behavior towards the child. The court proceedings included a plea of guilty to engaging in a course of conduct that was abusive over the specified period, as well as to threatening and abusive behavior towards the child.

Sentencing was deferred to allow for the preparation of reports and a detailed written narration by the Crown regarding the events. Ramsay’s actions have led to the imposition of strict legal restrictions. He has been issued with non-harassment orders that prohibit him from making any contact with both victims for the next eight years. Furthermore, he has been placed under the supervision of social services for a period of 18 months, during which he is required to complete 225 hours of unpaid community service.

Additional measures include electronic tagging, which will restrict Ramsay’s movements between 7 pm and 7 am each night for a duration of 108 days. These restrictions are part of the court’s efforts to prevent any further contact or escalation of his abusive behavior, ensuring the safety of the victims and the community at large in Musselburgh and Ormiston.