DONALD MORRISON INVERNESS DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

A serious and disturbing case of domestic abuse involving Donald Morrison, a church missionary from Inverness, has come to light, raising alarm within the local community. Morrison, who previously resided on Old Edinburgh Road in Inverness, was found guilty earlier this summer of a series of abusive acts directed at his wife, spanning from November 2022 to November 2023. The court heard harrowing details of the abuse, which included physical assaults and attempts to obstruct justice.

Sheriff David Harvie described the case as 'very disturbing' and expressed significant concern about Morrison’s future behavior, especially regarding the possibility of reconciliation with his wife. The sheriff emphasized the importance of monitoring Morrison closely, particularly in the upcoming weeks, stating, 'I want to keep an eye on you because I have concerns, especially in the next few weeks. You will have to have a significant change of mindset.'

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Morrison had attempted to manipulate the legal process by creating email templates aimed at having the case dismissed. Additionally, he breached a bail condition that explicitly prohibited him from contacting his wife. These actions demonstrated a pattern of problematic behavior and a disregard for court orders.

As part of his sentencing, Morrison was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid community service and participate in a two-year rehabilitation program specifically designed for male perpetrators of domestic abuse. A background report presented in court indicated that Morrison continued to blame his wife for their marital issues, showing a troubling lack of accountability.

The case was further compounded by distressing testimony from Mrs. Morrison and other members of their church community. Mrs. Morrison described her enduring love for her husband despite the violence she endured, which included being struck with a shinty stick, sustaining cuts and bruises, and suffering emotional trauma. She also expressed frustration with the church, blaming it for contributing to their marital difficulties. She recounted how she was exhausted from caring for their children while Morrison was often away for extended periods.

One particularly distressing incident involved Morrison hitting and kicking her legs during her sister’s funeral, resulting in visible bruises. Morrison claimed that these acts were not intentional but accidental, denying any deliberate harm. The court also heard about Morrison’s troubling behavior outside of the domestic sphere, including receiving excrement in the mail after speaking out against a Pride event, and attempting to deceive both his wife and the court.

Throughout the case, authorities emphasized the importance of Morrison’s rehabilitation and the need for ongoing monitoring, especially concerning the enforcement of non-harassment orders. The court’s focus remains on ensuring the safety of Mrs. Morrison and addressing the underlying issues that led to this disturbing episode of domestic violence in Inverness.