EDINBURGH BARBER CONVICTED OF LONG-TERM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FACES UP TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON
An Edinburgh woman has bravely opened up about the violent torment she suffered at the hands of her ex-partner, David John Appleby.The 42-year-old, who chose to remain anonymous, detailed how Appleby ferociously beat her on two separate occasions in 2010 during their romantic relationship.
Appleby, a barber in Gorgie, is currently awaiting sentencing after being convicted of abusing four different women over a period of decades, demonstrating a long history of domestic violence.
He was found guilty on three charges related to his ex, including assault to injury, threatening or abusive behavior, and assault with danger to life.
Additionally, he was convicted of crimes against three other women, including assault, assault causing severe injury and danger to life, threatening or abusive behavior, assault leading to injury and danger of life, assault causing severe injury, permanent disfigurement, and domestic abuse.
However, a charge of assault was not proven, and he was acquitted of that particular charge.
The woman recounted how she met Appleby through a childhood friend in 2009 after they attended an Oasis concert together.
She described her initial impression of him as attentive and charming but noted signs of control and manipulation gradually emerged.
She shared details of two specific incidents: the first in September 2010 at his flat, where he threw beer over her, called her a sl*g, punched her in the face, and threw a beer bottle at her as she fled; the second in December 2010, a more severe incident where he pushed, slapped, strangled, and threatened her with a gold chain, causing multiple injuries.
She left him after this incident and was in the process of taking legal action when he contacted her via a burner phone, persuading her to drop the charges.
In 2023, she was contacted by investigators to give evidence against him, which she initially hesitated to do but ultimately decided to support, feeling guilt for not pursuing justice earlier.
She described the emotional trauma she experienced and emphasized the importance of victims coming forward.
Appleby is due to be sentenced later this month, with a potential jail term of up to five years.
She expressed hope that he would face appropriate consequences and called for accountability, especially given his manipulative appearances as a reputable businessman involved in charity work.
