KEVIN SANDS FROM HADDINGTON SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL DOMESTIC ABUSE IN EAST LOTHIAN

Kevin Sands, a 38-year-old man from Haddington, has been convicted of a series of severe and violent acts of domestic abuse against two women. The incidents, which spanned over several years, revealed a pattern of callous and controlling behavior that left the victims physically and psychologically scarred.

According to court records, Sands subjected one woman to a horrifying ordeal involving forced ingestion of drugs such as dihydrocodeine and diazepam. During one particularly violent episode, he dragged her into a toilet and forcibly submerged her head in the bowl, an act that demonstrated his extreme level of brutality. His assault did not stop there; he repeatedly punched, kicked, and strangled her, even blinding her with a torch during a period when they were in a relationship between 2004 and 2008. These acts of violence were part of a broader pattern of domestic abuse that left the woman in a state of constant fear and degradation.

In another incident, Sands violently threw the second woman to the ground during a serious altercation at a residence in Haddington, East Lothian. The force of the attack rendered her unconscious, highlighting the severity of his violent tendencies. The court heard detailed testimonies from both victims, describing how Sands' behavior was not only physically damaging but also emotionally manipulative, designed to exert control and diminish their sense of self-worth.

Following a four-day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, a jury found Sands guilty of multiple charges, including assault, malicious damage, and domestic abuse. The presiding sheriff described Sands' actions as “callous, calculating and violent,” emphasizing that his conduct had “degraded” the victims and inflicted lasting harm. The court's judgment reflected the seriousness of his offenses and the need to protect the victims from further harm.

In sentencing, Sheriff Kenneth Campbell sentenced Sands to a total of 47 months in prison. Additionally, he will be under supervision for 12 months after his release and is subject to non-harassment orders that prohibit him from contacting the victims for the next 25 years. These orders are designed to prevent any form of contact or online communication that could cause further distress or harm.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Campbell addressed Sands directly, stating, “Kevin Sands, you were found guilty by the jury of a series of charges disclosing sustained and relentless domestic abuse of two women. The charge concerning one woman was aggravated by being committed while you were on bail, and the jury also convicted you of a separate breach of bail.”

The sheriff further elaborated on the nature of Sands' behavior, describing it as “callous, controlling and frequently violent,” with both victims recounting instances where Sands restricted their ability to breathe and struck them so severely that they lost consciousness. The court noted the victims' fear and the routine degradation they endured, which served to normalize Sands' abusive conduct.

In reviewing the social work report, the court found no mitigating factors. Unlike many offenders, Sands did not have significant adverse childhood experiences; instead, his offending appeared to have begun in adulthood, likely influenced by drug involvement. The report also indicated that Sands considered himself to bear little or no responsibility for his actions, raising concerns about his potential for future offending.

Given the circumstances, the court determined that a custodial sentence was the only appropriate response. The total sentence, including time served on remand, amounts to 47.5 months, backdated to 21 February 2022. The court also emphasized the importance of public protection and ordered a supervised release for 12 months post-release.

Furthermore, considering the ongoing impact of Sands' behavior on the victims, the court imposed non-harassment orders lasting 25 years. These orders prohibit Sands from approaching or contacting the victims directly or indirectly, whether in person or through electronic means, including social media posts or online comments. The measures aim to safeguard the victims from further harassment and ensure their ongoing safety in the community.