JOHN STAFFORD FIFE CRIME SPREE: FROM VIOLENT ATTACKS TO CRUEL BIRD KILLING IN DUNDEE AND BUCKHAVEN

John Stafford, aged 33, became the focus of a series of disturbing incidents that unfolded across Fife and Dundee, revealing a pattern of violent and reckless behavior. The first incident occurred in the early hours at a woman’s residence in Leven, Fife, where Stafford arrived heavily intoxicated. According to the prosecution, the woman, a 27-year-old mother, was sitting in her living room with her seven-week-old son, preparing a bottle for the infant when Stafford appeared.

Without warning, Stafford confronted her directly, placing his hands around her neck and applying pressure, which caused her to be pushed backwards onto the sofa. The woman, visibly distressed, began to cry as Stafford proceeded with his assault. During this attack, he took her infant and placed the child in a rocker in the living room, seemingly indifferent to her distress.

The situation escalated further when Stafford removed his lower clothing, then grabbed her by her housecoat and forcibly threw her to the floor. The court heard that he attempted to remove her pyjama trousers. Despite her protests and her holding onto the waistband while shouting ‘No,’ Stafford succeeded in pulling them away. He then punched her on the left side of her head, grabbed her pyjama trousers on the left side, and ripped them from her body, pinning her down in the process.

The court was told that Stafford attempted to have sexual intercourse with the woman but was unsuccessful. As she lay on the floor in shock, Stafford began to cry, indicating remorse or emotional distress. He then covered her with her housecoat, apologized, and fled the scene.

When police arrived at the woman’s home, they found her visibly upset and physically trembling. Medical examinations revealed multiple injuries, including bruising to her left temple, a black eye, red marks on her neck, and injuries to her mouth, chin, and ear. She also sustained bruises on her arm and hip, evidence of the violence inflicted upon her.

Following the assault, Stafford drove to his grandfather’s residence in Dundee. When arrested, he admitted to taking an overdose of tablets and expressed an intent to end his life. During court proceedings, Stafford pleaded guilty to charges of attempted rape and driving to Dundee without a valid license or insurance, as his provisional license had expired.

Currently appearing from custody, Stafford was remanded further pending sentencing in Glasgow, where reports on his mental health and background are expected to be prepared. The court has scheduled the sentencing for next month, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the need for appropriate judicial response.



In a separate but equally disturbing case, Stafford, now 32, was involved in a brutal act of animal cruelty in Buckhaven, Fife. On July 11, 2011, Stafford was observed attacking a seagull in his own garden. Witnesses, including neighbors and an 11-year-old child, saw Stafford kicking the bird and hitting it on the head with a stone. The incident was described as a horrific act of violence against a defenseless creature, taking place in broad daylight.

The Scottish SPCA, represented by Louise Seddon, condemned the attack, describing it as a mindless and violent assault that caused the gull significant suffering over several minutes while the bird’s parents circled overhead.

The evidence collected from witnesses led to Stafford’s conviction under section one of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which prohibits the intentional or reckless killing of wild birds. As a result, Stafford was sentenced to 200 hours of community service.

The Scottish SPCA expressed their outrage at the cruelty, stating that Stafford is unfit to care for any animals and emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable wildlife from such acts of violence. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the need for strict enforcement of laws designed to safeguard wildlife in Fife and beyond.