BENEDICT BOYLEN FROM LONDON SENTENCED IN OBAN FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND THREATENING BEHAVIOR

A 46-year-old man named Benedict Boylen, originally from Queens Avenue, Weststone, London, has been handed a nine-month prison sentence at Oban Sheriff Court following a serious case of domestic abuse. The court heard that Boylen engaged in a series of aggressive and threatening actions against his former partner over a period spanning from April 8, 2022, to August 1, 2022.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Boylen's conduct included loud shouting and the use of offensive language directed at the woman. Most alarmingly, he brandished a large knife and pressed it against her face inside her residence in Oban, creating a terrifying and traumatic experience for her. In an attempt to prevent her from calling the police, Boylen confiscated her mobile phone, effectively silencing her and escalating the situation. Furthermore, he persistently contacted her afterward, making threats that added to the distress and danger she faced.

In a court-ordered interview with a social worker, Boylen openly declared that he would refuse to comply with any court orders issued against him. His defense solicitor, Stephen McGuire, explained that Boylen appeared anxious during the interview, citing his childhood diagnosis of ADHD as a possible factor. McGuire also mentioned that some of Boylen’s remarks, which were made in jest, may have been misunderstood. It was emphasized that Boylen now resides in London and has no intention of returning to Scotland.

Sheriff Euan Cameron described the incident as a serious case of domestic abuse, highlighting that at the height of the confrontation, Boylen held a large knife against the woman’s face, an act that caused her significant fear and trauma. The sheriff condemned Boylen’s misogynistic attitude and noted his apparent lack of empathy, emphasizing that he poses a high risk of causing further harm. The court’s sentence included nine months of custody and a 10-year non-harassment order, designed to protect the victim from further contact. When Boylen initially misheard the order as a ten-year prison sentence, he reacted with shock and shouted in disbelief.

Judge Cameron underscored the importance of the sentence as a deterrent, describing the case as a revenge-seeking act rooted in hostility. The incident was characterized as an unpleasant and misogynistic act of domestic abuse, reflecting a pattern of violent and threatening behavior that the court sought to address firmly.