MAN CONVICTED OF FIRING SHOTGUN AT WIFE IN LANDMARK DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE
A man has been convicted of firing a shotgun at his wife 30 years ago while she was in bed, in what is believed to be the first prosecution under the new domestic abuse law in Scotland.Robert Burke, aged 54 and of Burnside Crescent, Rosyth, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court to face these charges.
He admitted to pointing a shotgun at his wife Selina Burke and discharging it at their address in Fraser Avenue, Inverkeithing, between November 1984 and December 1988.
Burke claimed he fired a blank cartridge as a joke, saying he thought the act was harmless, and that he had received the weapon from his grandfather.
His wife described Burke as controlling and manipulative throughout their relationship, which lasted from their marriage in 1982 until their separation in 2014.
The court heard that Burke possessed various weapons, including axes, air rifles, and crossbows, before acquiring the shotgun which he used during the incident.
Evidence came to light after his ex-wife told a colleague about the incident, who then contacted the police.
Burke's legal representative stated that he disposed of the shotgun soon after possession, and that at the time of the shooting, Burke believed it was a joke.
Despite this, the sheriff emphasized the seriousness of the act, noting that even a blank fired at close range can be dangerous, and sentenced him to 190 hours of community service.
This case was notable as it was the first successful prosecution resulting from the Disclosure scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland, which allows the public to access background information of individuals if abuse is suspected.
Detective Inspector Jim Leeson stated that Burke had not previously been known to police for domestic abuse and that this case demonstrates the scheme's effectiveness in bringing long-untargeted offenders to justice, ultimately allowing police to take steps to prevent further harm.
The sentencing marked the culmination of investigations into behavior dating back over 30 years, highlighting the importance of the law in tackling historic abuse cases.
