CALVIN HARDIE INVERNESS CRIME SCANDAL: INFLUENCER'S SHOCKING ASSAULT AND COPYRIGHT LAWSUIT

Calvin Hardie, a 23-year-old self-described digital marketer from East Kilbride, has recently become the center of a highly publicized legal and criminal controversy that has unfolded in Inverness. Hardie was convicted at Inverness Sheriff Court after a violent incident involving his ex-partner, during which he assaulted her while she was holding their infant child. The incident drew widespread attention not only because of the brutality involved but also due to Hardie’s subsequent actions that have further fueled public outrage.

According to court reports, Hardie physically grabbed his ex-partner by the neck and pushed her across the kitchen during a heated confrontation. The assault was severe enough to leave the victim with visible bruises and a deep sense of fear. Despite the gravity of the assault, which involved him using both hands to strangle her before pushing her while she was holding their baby, Hardie’s focus appears to have shifted from the assault itself to a legal battle over his online image. He has filed a lawsuit against the Highlands Courier, claiming that the publication used copyrighted images of his face in coverage related to his conviction without his permission.

Hardie, who has built a significant social media following with over 80,000 followers on Instagram, is now contesting the use of his images, asserting that they are protected by copyright. This move has been met with widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an attempt to distract from the serious allegations and the assault conviction. The influencer’s legal action has been described by critics as tone-deaf and shameless, with many social media users condemning his priorities, suggesting that his focus on image rights is a way to control the narrative rather than accept responsibility for his actions.

The victim, who has chosen to speak out publicly, provided more detailed accounts of her ordeal. She described how Hardie used both hands to choke her during the altercation and then pushed her while she was holding their young child. She recounted the emotional and psychological abuse she endured throughout their relationship, including manipulative tactics, lies about his previous partner, and even faking his son’s disappearance. She also revealed that Hardie sent threatening messages, including photos taken on Kessock Bridge, implying potential self-harm or harm to others, which added to her ongoing fear and distress.

Public reaction to Hardie’s lawsuit has been overwhelmingly negative. Many social media users have criticized his attempt to shield his image, arguing that a man who violently attacked a woman holding a baby should not be granted the privilege of protecting his likeness when he used that very image to gain public trust and influence. Calls for Instagram to remove his account have grown louder, especially since his profile remains active despite his criminal conviction.

Meanwhile, the court has deferred sentencing until December 4, but the focus on copyright issues rather than remorse or accountability has only intensified the criticism. Critics argue that Hardie’s actions exemplify how some individuals, even after committing serious crimes, attempt to manipulate public opinion and maintain their online personas at the expense of truth and justice. This case underscores the troubling reality that certain individuals can still attempt to control their narrative and influence public perception, even after being exposed for violent and manipulative behavior.