DANIEL WELLS SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR REPEATED ABUSE OF FIVE WOMEN

In 2019, Daniel Wells was convicted of a series of disturbing crimes involving violence and coercion against five women. His convictions include multiple counts under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 Section 39(1), as well as charges of abduction and assault causing injury. These convictions highlight a pattern of controlling, manipulative, and physically violent behavior spanning several relationships.

Wells received a prison sentence of three years and ten months, along with a ten-year non-harassment order that applies to all five victims.

During the court proceedings, harrowing details emerged about Wells’ abuse. Victims recounted violent assaults in both public and private settings, psychological intimidation, and coercive threats. One victim described being attacked while driving, cornered and screamed at for hours, slapped, and physically manipulated through skin twisting until she cried out in pain. She stated that Wells threatened to release intimate images of her—images she was unaware had been taken and did not consent to—and used suicide threats to emotionally blackmail her. She noted that Wells told her, “Good job washing this blood off your hands,” if she considered going to the police.

The same victim also described a night where she was coercively controlled into sexual intercourse through fear of Wells physically harming her. During this night, Wells told her, “I have never thought about hurting anyone as much as I have you,” and said, “you will show me how sorry you are or no one is leaving,” which instilled immediate fear. She recounted that prior to this, Wells had yelled at her nose-to-nose for hours and refused to leave her home despite her repeated requests. She also revealed that he had hidden her house keys to prevent her from leaving, a tactic she said he regularly used.

Another woman was placed on a MARRAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) red alert due to the severe physical violence she suffered while in a relationship with Wells. This violence escalated during her pregnancy, underscoring the growing danger Wells posed. She was subjected to severe beatings, leaving her with bruising so extensive she had difficulty walking. He attempted to strangle her, and when she fought him off by kicking him away, he retaliated by biting her thigh. Wells also threatened to pour boiling water over her simply because she had waited for him to return home so they could eat, accusing her of starving their unborn child. His violence included slapping her harshly on the back of the head for minor mistakes like spilling sugar while making coffee. Moreover, he controlled her movements by locking doors and keeping her keys and mobile phone in his pockets, effectively trapping and isolating her.

This conviction signifies an important step in holding offenders accountable for domestic abuse, coercive control, and sexual violence. It also emphasizes the ongoing necessity of awareness, protection, and support for survivors of such traumatic and life-altering abuse.