MICHAEL STOBBS SHAMES DUNFERMLINE WITH DOMESTIC AND ANIMAL ABUSE CASES
Michael Stobbs, aged 35 and residing on Ballingry Road in Dunfermline, faced the court to answer for a series of troubling incidents spanning several years, including domestic violence, aggressive behavior, and animal neglect.His appearances at Dunfermline Sheriff Court revealed a pattern of concerning conduct that has deeply affected his family and his pet.
The most recent case involved an incident on July 22, 2023, at his home in Dunfermline.
Stobbs admitted to police that he had shouted, sworn, and behaved aggressively towards his partner during the early hours of that morning.
According to depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf, police responded to a distress call received at approximately 2:50 a.m., reporting loud shouting and swearing coming from Stobbs’ residence.
When officers arrived, they observed him at a window, shirtless, gesturing aggressively with his arms while his partner sat nearby, holding a young child.
Despite being instructed by officers to calm down, Stobbs continued his rant, expressing dissatisfaction with his partner’s affection towards him.
The depute added that his behavior was not only disruptive but also intimidating, creating a frightening environment for his partner and the child present.
Defense solicitor Alexander Flett expressed remorse on behalf of his client, stating, “He’s remorseful for his actions.” The sheriff, Garry Sutherland, acknowledged the severity of the incident, describing it as “very unpleasant” and noting that it must have been terrifying for the victim.
In light of the incident, Sheriff Sutherland imposed a community payback order requiring Stobbs to undergo two years of supervision, emphasizing the need for behavioral change and accountability.
This recent episode is not isolated.
Back in 2019, Stobbs, then 31 and living at Valleyfield Place in Dunfermline, was involved in a separate incident of violence and aggressive conduct.
On January 1, 2019, during New Year celebrations, he behaved threateningly towards his siblings following a heated conversation about the tragic death of his child.
The depute fiscal, Catherine Fraser, detailed that Stobbs acted in a confrontational manner, shouting, swearing, smashing a window, and damaging household items at his home.
The situation escalated further when he assaulted his sister, pushing her and striking her on the head.
These offenses occurred after he had been granted bail on December 2, 2018.
Fraser explained that the violence was triggered by the emotional distress caused by the loss of his child, which was compounded by alcohol consumption during the celebrations.
Witnesses reported that around 1 a.m., Stobbs was seen walking the streets, talking about his grief, while a police van passed by, offering assistance but not intervening at that moment.
His behavior worsened inside the house, where he threw objects and knocked over furniture.
When his sister attempted to calm him, he pushed her and slapped her face.
She then called the police, who arrived at approximately 2:15 a.m.
and found him throwing items and smashing a window.
He was subsequently arrested.
Defense solicitor Flett acknowledged Stobbs’ previous convictions but noted he had never served a custodial sentence.
He also highlighted that his client was very apologetic and that his sister had forgiven him.
The sheriff, James McDonald, expressed concern over the pattern of violence, noting the risks involved and the emerging trend of disorder within family settings.
As a result, he sentenced Stobbs to a 12-month community payback order, including 120 hours of unpaid work.
In addition to these domestic issues, Stobbs faced charges related to animal cruelty.
Born on December 17, 1987, and formerly residing in Lumphinnans near Cowdenbeath, he was found guilty of neglecting his pet dog, Samson, over a period of several weeks.
Now living in homeless accommodation in Dunfermline at Segal House, Stobbs admitted to leaving his dog unattended in an empty property for four days between January 10 and February 10, 2021.
The Scottish SPCA inspector Nicola Liddell described the distressing conditions in which Samson was found.
When they arrived at Stobbs’ property, they heard a muffled bark from inside, indicating the dog was confined in another room.
Stobbs returned shortly after, admitting that he had left Samson alone for four days, citing weather conditions as a reason for neglecting his pet.
Samson, an Akita cross, was found to be underweight, with ribs and hips clearly visible, and suffering from skin infections, eye discharge, and overgrown claws.
The property was in a deplorable state, strewn with rubbish, hazardous items, and lacking basic provisions such as dog bowls.
Despite the poor conditions, Samson was friendly and eager to eat and drink when rescued.
Veterinary examination confirmed that Samson was in pain due to ear and eye infections, and his skin issues had persisted for weeks.
He was taken to an animal rescue center for treatment and recovery.
The Scottish SPCA expressed disappointment that Stobbs received only a £400 fine for his neglect, especially considering the suffering caused to the dog.
They also noted that no disqualification from owning animals was imposed.
Stobbs was sentenced to pay a fine of £420 for animal cruelty, a penalty they considered insufficient given the circumstances.
The organization hopes he will be more responsible in future, ensuring any animals under his care receive proper veterinary attention and humane treatment.
This series of incidents underscores ongoing concerns about domestic violence, mental health, and animal welfare within the Dunfermline area, highlighting the importance of community vigilance and legal accountability.
