MAN WHO HAD BEEN CELEBRATING HIS BIRTHDAY TURNED AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS HIS NOW EX PARTNER
Update 18/04/2026: A man from Forres who had previously been convicted of domestic abuse and committed a sexual offence against his former partner has been sentenced to two years imprisonment.Mark Ewen, aged 45, carried out abusive acts over four months in 2024 at addresses in Forres and Elgin, with his conduct being aggravated by the sexual nature of the offence.
The sexual assault involved Ewen stripping a duvet from the woman, forcing her legs open, and engaging in non-consensual sexual activity.
During this incident, he reportedly restrained her on the bed, seized her, and bit her multiple times.
His other violent actions included grabbing his partner by the neck, insulting her with derogatory language, and threatening to strike her.
In a separate event, Ewen followed her into a bar, attempted to remove her by gripping her wrists, locked her house door, and took her keys, preventing her from leaving.
He also took her phone to hinder her from contacting police, visited her home without permission, and stole £40 from her purse.
Based in Fleurs Drive, Forres, Ewen was convicted by a jury at Inverness Sheriff Court.
He was already on probation for a previous domestic abuse offence, which at the time was part of his involvement in the Caledonian Men’s Programme.
The court sentenced him to two years in jail, mandated that he register as a sex offender for ten years, and imposed a five-year order to prevent him from contacting the victim, ensuring ongoing protection.
...............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Mark Ewen, meanwhile, had been celebrating his birthday when he turned aggressive towards his then-partner.
Ms Boyle said police received a dropped 999 call from Ewen’s partner and attended shortly after 11.15pm.
A third party told police that he heard Ewen shout “if I go back to jail I will kill you” and swearing at the woman.
“Police attended at the accused’s door,” Ms Boyle said.
“After some time, the accused began shouting that he was ‘not being lifted for doing f*** all wrong’.
“Entry was thereafter gained.
He was cautioned and arrested.” Grant Dalgleish, representing the 45-year-old of Fleurs Drive in Forres, said his client had taken alcohol “to excess” on the occasion.
“Clearly, Mr Ewen does have his difficulties,” he said.
Sheriff Pasportnikov ordered Ewen to complete the Caledonian Men’s Programme.
He will also be under the supervision of the social work team for two years to engage with alcohol addiction services.
