ABERDEEN MAN JAMES STITCHELL SHOCKS COURT WITH ABUSE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST PARTNER AND CHILDREN

A man from Aberdeen, James Stitchell, has formally admitted to a series of serious criminal offenses involving both his former partner and a child in his care. The allegations include verbal abuse, physical assault, and threatening behavior that spanned over several years, culminating in his appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to face justice.

Stitchell, aged 46, was brought before the court to answer charges that detailed a pattern of aggressive and abusive conduct directed at his former partner. The court heard that over a period of more than five years, he used derogatory language and acted in a threatening manner towards her, causing her significant fear and distress. The incidents included shouting, swearing, and aggressive actions that created an intimidating environment for the woman.

Among the charges was an incident where Stitchell gave his former partner a gummy sweet, which resulted in her feeling unwell. This act was considered part of the broader pattern of abusive behavior. Additionally, he was accused of breaching a court order that explicitly prohibited him from contacting or approaching her, further demonstrating his disregard for legal restrictions.

In a disturbing set of charges involving a child, Stitchell admitted to assaulting the young individual by physically striking him with a cup or mug, hitting him repeatedly on the body, and, most alarmingly, stepping on the child's private parts. Court documents detailed that he had pinned the child to the ground and made threats to harm him, actions that caused significant concern for the child's safety and well-being.

Furthermore, Stitchell was accused of making homophobic and derogatory remarks towards the same child, which added a layer of verbal abuse to his physical assaults. These offensive comments were described as threatening and abusive, contributing to the overall picture of a pattern of violent and harmful behavior.

All these offenses took place at an address within Aberdeen city limits, highlighting the local nature of his criminal activities. During the court proceedings, Stitchell pleaded guilty to all four charges, which included threatening behavior, assault, and breach of court orders.

His defense solicitor, Lisa Reilly, requested that the court carry out background reports on her client before sentencing, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of his circumstances. Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane acknowledged the severity of the offenses and ordered a criminal justice social work report along with an assessment for a restriction of liberty order. The sentencing was deferred until next month, allowing for further evaluation of Stitchell's case.

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