DARREN QUERNS FROM GLASGOW SENTENCED FOR INSTALLING HIDDEN MICROPHONES IN PARTNER'S HOME

A man described as 'violent and controlling' has been handed a significant prison sentence after a series of disturbing actions against his former partner in Glasgow. Darren Querns, who resided in Glasgow, was found guilty of secretly installing covert listening devices within his ex-partner's residence, enabling him to eavesdrop on her private conversations without her knowledge or consent.

Throughout their tumultuous relationship, which spanned from 2016 to 2023, Querns engaged in both physical and verbal abuse towards his partner. Witnesses and court records detailed how he accused her of infidelity, often shouting and swearing at her in heated moments. There were instances where he physically pushed her, and he also took steps to monitor her personal communications by accessing her mobile phone and social media accounts, further demonstrating his controlling nature.

As their relationship deteriorated, the victim grew increasingly suspicious of Querns' invasive behavior. Her suspicions were confirmed when she discovered a listening device hidden within her home, prompting her to report her concerns to the police. A subsequent search of her residence uncovered four covert listening devices concealed inside wall sockets—two located in the living room, one in her bedroom, and another in the kitchen. Forensic analysis revealed that two of these devices contained Querns' DNA, linking him directly to the installation.

Further investigations led police to Querns' residence in Glasgow, where they found SIM cards matching those used in the listening devices. These devices were part of a calculated effort to monitor her activities and invade her privacy. In July, Querns pleaded guilty to two charges related to these offenses, and at Edinburgh High Court, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison. The court also imposed a 12-month supervision order to follow his release, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.

In addition to his imprisonment, a non-harassment order was issued to prevent Querns from making any contact with his former partner, aiming to protect her from further intimidation or abuse. The Crown Office highlighted the severity of his actions, emphasizing that his calculated behavior inflicted 'unimaginable trauma' on the victim. Moira Orr, a representative from the Crown Office, stated, 'His calculating actions left his victim living in fear in her own home where she should have been safe.'

Details from the court proceedings revealed a particularly aggressive incident at a Glasgow hotel, where Querns became violent, shouting, swearing, throwing objects, and smashing glass. The case took a disturbing turn in 2023 when the victim, suspecting she was being spied on, discovered a listening device embedded in her wall socket. This discovery prompted police intervention and further investigation.

Evidence presented in court also showed that Querns had attempted to manipulate his partner’s family by sending her mother a Facebook message containing recordings from the listening devices. The police confirmed that the devices contained Querns' DNA, and the SIM cards used in the devices were recovered from his Glasgow residence during searches. The Crown Office reaffirmed its commitment to tackling domestic abuse and urged victims and witnesses to come forward, emphasizing that justice would be pursued for those subjected to such invasive and abusive behavior.