GRAHAM BRUCE FROM COWDENBEATH SHAMES HOME INTRUSION AT HIS EX-PARTNER'S HOUSE

A 35-year-old man named Graham Bruce from Cowdenbeath has been involved in a serious incident that saw him forcibly entering the residence of his former partner. The events unfolded in the early hours of October 17, when Bruce, driven by apparent anger and a desire to confront, resorted to violence to gain access to the property.

According to reports, Bruce arrived at the address in Cowdenbeath and began his assault by kicking and striking the front door repeatedly. His aggressive actions were aimed at forcing his way inside, despite the woman inside desperately trying to protect herself. In a panic, she managed to lock herself in the bathroom, seeking refuge from the intruder. However, Bruce was relentless; he managed to open the bathroom door and entered the premises uninvited.

Once inside, Bruce refused to leave, causing significant distress to his former partner. The woman’s attempt to keep him at bay was thwarted when he unlocked a door that she had previously secured in an effort to prevent him from entering. The situation escalated to the point where police had to be called to the scene. When officers arrived, Bruce was still present at the property and made a statement claiming, “All I did was kick down the door.”

Graham Bruce’s background and relationship history with the woman reveal that they had been together for three years before separating. The depute fiscal, Mr. Mat Piskorz, explained that the incident was preceded by a period of tension, during which Bruce had been sending messages accusing his ex-partner of kissing one of his friends. The night of the incident, at approximately 1:15 am, the woman heard a vehicle pull up outside her home, followed by the sound of banging on her door. Her fears materialized when Bruce kicked the door in and entered her home uninvited.

During the court proceedings at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, Bruce appeared to face the consequences of his actions. His defence solicitor, Alexander Flett, stated that Bruce and the woman had since reconciled, suggesting a possible change in their relationship status. However, Sheriff Charles Macnair clarified that at the time of the offence, they were not a couple. The sheriff described Bruce’s behaviour as coercive and controlling, emphasizing that his actions were motivated by a desire to exert dominance over his former partner.

As a result of his conduct, Sheriff Macnair sentenced Graham Bruce to a community payback order, which includes 101 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month period of supervision. This case highlights the serious nature of domestic intrusion and coercive behaviour, serving as a reminder of the legal consequences faced by those who violate personal safety and breach the peace in such circumstances.