JAMES WALTON ARBROATH SCOTLAND SENTENCED FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND COERCIVE CONTROL

James Walton, a resident of Arbroath, has been formally sentenced after admitting to a series of domestic abuse and coercive control offenses against his partner, Susan Walker. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior spanning from October 2022 to July 2023, during which Walton engaged in a sustained campaign of psychological and emotional manipulation that has left lasting scars.

Walton, aged 55 and living on East Abbey Street in Arbroath, was found guilty of multiple charges related to his abusive conduct. His actions included tracking Ms. Walker to various locations across Scotland, such as a pub in Broughty Ferry, where he followed her and forced her to leave in a public setting. On one particularly distressing night, Walton bombarded her with approximately 80 voicemails, creating an overwhelming and invasive experience. He also followed her to a hotel, where he sat silently on her bed, an act that further demonstrated his controlling and invasive behavior.

In addition to these incidents, Walton was accused of attempting to isolate Ms. Walker socially by removing her followers on social media platforms. He falsely claimed that he had done so to see if she was engaging with other men, further illustrating his manipulative tendencies. The court heard that Walton’s behavior was not only persistent but also characterized by minimization and denial. He attempted to attribute his actions to mental health issues, often blaming the victim and refusing to fully acknowledge the extent of his abusive conduct.

During the sentencing hearing at Dundee Sheriff Court, Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown emphasized the seriousness of Walton’s offenses. She noted that Walton had breached bail conditions multiple times by approaching Ms. Walker at various locations, demonstrating a blatant disregard for court orders and legal boundaries. The court also considered Walton’s history, which was marked by a significant gap since his previous custodial sentence in 2004, and his current circumstances, including his role as a full-time carer for elderly parents and ongoing health issues.

In her sentencing remarks, Sheriff Martin-Brown explained that Walton’s behavior posed a substantial risk to future partners and that measures needed to be taken to prevent further harm. She imposed a Community Payback Order requiring Walton to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, spread across his three offenses, with the possibility of completing these hours within two years due to his caring responsibilities. Additionally, Walton was placed under supervision for two years, with conditions aimed at addressing his pattern of domestic offending.

The court also mandated Walton to participate in the Fergus Programme, a group intervention designed to work with perpetrators of domestic abuse. This program aims to reduce the risk Walton may pose to women and children and to help him develop safety plans and healthier relationship behaviors. Furthermore, Walton was ordered to disclose any new or emerging intimate relationships within 72 hours to his supervising officer, as a conduct requirement intended to safeguard potential future partners.

To protect Ms. Walker and others, a non-harassment order was imposed, prohibiting Walton from approaching the complainant for a period of two years. The court’s decision was influenced by the Crown’s recommendation and the circumstances surrounding the offenses, including the presence of a child during some incidents and Walton’s minimization of his actions.

In delivering her judgment, Sheriff Martin-Brown acknowledged Walton’s guilty plea and the fact that he had previously served a lengthy custodial sentence. She highlighted that although Walton’s offending history was sparse in recent years, his pattern of coercive and controlling behavior warranted a sentence that balanced societal disapproval with the opportunity for rehabilitation. The court recognized Walton’s personal circumstances, including his role as a carer and ongoing health issues, which contributed to the decision to impose a non-custodial sentence. The sentence aims to promote rehabilitation, reduce the risk of future harm, and uphold the principles of justice and societal safety.