KEIR JOHNSTON SENTENCED IN COLONSAY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE

A man named Keir Johnston, aged 39, has been handed a significant prison sentence following a violent incident involving his wife on the remote island of Colonsay in Argyll and Bute. The case drew considerable attention due to the severity of the assault and the circumstances surrounding it, which took place in March 2022.

Johnston was convicted after a harrowing series of events where he physically attacked his wife, Grace Johnston, during a heated argument at their residence on Colonsay. The High Court in Glasgow detailed the brutal nature of the assault, revealing that Johnston had pinned his wife to the ground and choked her during the altercation. The court described Johnston's relationship with his wife as 'volatile,' highlighting the history of violence that preceded this incident.

According to court reports, Johnston's rage escalated during the confrontation, leading him to forcefully tackle Grace to the ground. He then proceeded to choke her with both hands, an act that lasted approximately 20 seconds. A witness, likely a child present at the scene, intervened and managed to break up the assault. Despite this, Johnston continued to threaten her, uttering chilling words such as 'finish her off,' and struggled again with his wife, during which he brandished a knife and made further threats that 'somebody was going to die.'

In a disturbing turn, Johnston also attempted to self-harm during the incident, holding a knife in his hands and threatening to use it against himself. His wife, in an effort to protect herself, tried to disarm him, but he kept the weapon, further escalating the danger.

Johnston had previously admitted guilt to charges of assaulting his wife and endangering her life. The court was informed that he had sought help for behavioral issues, but the judge determined that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate given the gravity of the offense.

Lady Drummond, presiding over the case, sentenced Johnston to 54 months in prison, a reduction from the original 60 months due to his early guilty plea. Additionally, Johnston was ordered to stay away from his wife for ten years, with a non-harassment order in place to prevent any contact or approach.

Police Scotland's Chief Inspector Simon Shanks commented on the case, emphasizing Johnston's violent tendencies and expressing hope that the sentence would help Mrs. Johnston find some measure of closure and begin to move forward from the trauma inflicted upon her.

During the sentencing, Lady Drummond provided a detailed account of the incident, describing how Johnston had pinned his wife to the ground, preventing her from moving, and then strangled her with both hands. She noted that the attack was so forceful that the victim feared for her life, believing Johnston intended to kill her. The court heard that the assault was witnessed by a child, who tried to intervene and stop the violence.

The court also highlighted the dangers of strangulation, explaining that even low pressure applied to the neck can cause unconsciousness within seconds and death within minutes. The severity of the act was underscored by the fact that Johnston had previously used violence against the same woman, including attempts to strangle her.

A victim impact statement was presented, revealing the profound and lasting effects of Johnston's actions on his wife. She described suffering emotionally, psychologically, and financially, stating that the trauma would stay with her forever. She expressed her disbelief at Johnston's apparent lack of remorse and empathy.

Despite the violent nature of the offense, reports from psychologists indicated that Johnston had made efforts to address his behavior, attending therapy voluntarily and showing genuine remorse and insight. He was assessed as a minimal risk of reoffending and a moderate risk of further domestic violence. The reports acknowledged underlying mental health issues, such as acute stress reaction and adjustment disorder, but clarified that these did not serve as a psychiatric defense.

Johnston, who has no previous convictions and has previously contributed positively to his community, is now the subject of a lengthy prison sentence. The court emphasized that the repeated strangulation, threats, and possession of a knife in the presence of a child made the case particularly serious. Nonetheless, his efforts to reform and the character references were considered in mitigation.

In conclusion, Johnston was sentenced to five years in prison, with six months attributable to this specific offense. The sentence was backdated to 9 May, and he was ordered not to contact his wife for ten years, ensuring her safety and peace of mind moving forward.