KINGHORN MAN GORDON DEMPSEY FOUND GUILTY OF BRUTAL ABUSE IN KINGHORN AND MYRTLE CRESCENT

A jury has reached a verdict of guilt against Gordon Dempsey, a man from Kinghorn, who was accused of subjecting his former partner to a prolonged and violent campaign of abuse. The court heard that Dempsey's relentless harassment and physical assaults spanned over three and a half years, from January 1, 2013, to June 6, 2016, during which he inflicted significant harm and fear upon his victim.

Throughout this period, Dempsey engaged in a series of disturbing and aggressive behaviors aimed at controlling and intimidating his partner. His actions included holding her head underwater in a toilet, physically assaulting her with a hockey stick, and kicking her repeatedly with steel toe cap boots. These assaults often resulted in injuries, some of which left her permanently impaired, notably damaging her shoulder. The court detailed instances where Dempsey stood on her feet while wearing his steel-toe boots and kicked her multiple times, causing her pain and injury.

In addition to physical violence, Dempsey’s campaign of terror involved psychological torment and coercion. He prevented his partner from contacting friends or family members, effectively isolating her from her support network. He also forced her to hand over login credentials for her social media accounts and mobile phone, monitoring her activities constantly. His verbal abuse was relentless; he shouted and swore at her, issued threatening and abusive remarks, and made menacing threats towards her and her loved ones.

Furthermore, Dempsey’s violent tendencies extended to destructive behaviors within their shared home. He punched walls and doors, threw household items, and kicked objects around in fits of rage. He also threatened to harm himself, adding to the emotional strain on his partner. When she needed medical attention, Dempsey denied her access, further exacerbating her suffering.

The court heard harrowing details of specific assaults, including incidents at a property on Myrtle Crescent. During these episodes, Dempsey physically assaulted her by standing on her feet with his steel-toe boots and kicking her repeatedly. He also pushed her to the ground, pulled her elbow behind her back, and dragged her by her hair. At times, he brandished knives and tools, threatening her with them. One particularly disturbing act involved him holding her head over a toilet bowl and threatening to flush it, as well as repeatedly placing his hands and clothing over her mouth and nose to restrict her breathing. He also held her over a bannister by her body, further demonstrating his violent control.

His assaults included striking her with a hockey stick, biting her, and repeatedly pushing her against walls. Dempsey’s aggressive behavior was characterized by repeated physical threats, including brandishing fists and nipping at her. He seized her hands, pressed them, and pushed her repeatedly, leaving her with injuries that contributed to her permanent impairment. The court confirmed that the relentless abuse had lasting physical and emotional effects on the victim.

Judge Jamie Gilchrist presided over the case at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where Dempsey was found guilty of engaging in a course of conduct that caused his victim to suffer fear and alarm. The court also heard evidence of the emotional and physical toll the abuse had taken, including the injury to her shoulder. Dempsey was remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for August 23, as he awaits further legal proceedings.