LEVI STEWART FROM KELTY SENTENCED IN DUNFERMLINE FOR DOMESTIC ASSAULT

Levi Stewart, a 21-year-old from Kelty, was involved in an incident on Hogmanay during a dispute over an underage drinker at his gathering. The altercation took place late on December 31, where Stewart punched his ex-partner in the face, resulting in injuries such as a swollen left eye and a bleeding mouth.

During a hearing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, it was disclosed that Stewart had rekindled his relationship with the victim in September after they had previously separated in June. Prosecutor Azrah Yousaf noted that alcohol was consumed on the night of the incident, which occurred around 10:15 PM. Following the assault, the woman cried out for help, prompting police to intervene; however, Stewart had already fled the scene before officers arrived. He was later detained on January 20 and charged with domestic assault.

Defence solicitor Stephen Morrison explained that the fight originated from Stewart becoming upset over an underage relative of his former partner drinking alcohol, despite Stewart himself having consumed a significant amount of alcohol that evening. Stewart showed remorse for his actions, as highlighted in a social work report. He also has a history of previous offending, having completed 125 hours of unpaid work related to domestic violence. Stewart now recognises the importance of seeking help for his binge drinking problems.

Sheriff Krista Johnston sentenced Stewart to 80 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she ordered him to participate in the Caledonian programme, which aims to address domestic offending behaviors. Stewart was also placed under a one-year ban on contacting the victim.