RYAN LAIRD'S BRUTAL ATTACKS IN COWIE: FAMILY VIOLENCE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

Ryan Laird, a 24-year-old resident of Cowie, became the focus of a harrowing case of familial violence after being found guilty of a series of severe assaults against his half-sister, Mary Anne Deane, who is now 19 years old. The disturbing incidents took place over a period spanning from August 2012 to July 2013, with the assaults occurring outside Laird’s flat in Cowie during a cold winter evening.

According to court records, Laird subjected Mary Anne to a brutal sequence of attacks that included forcing her into a wheelie bin, kicking her repeatedly, and beating her with a broom until the handle snapped. The violence escalated further when he shackled her with handcuffs, effectively restraining her during the assault. Witnesses and the victim herself described how Laird also poured water over her, leaving her feeling numb from the cold and the physical trauma. These acts of violence caused significant distress to Mary Anne, who recounted that the abuse was so frequent that it began to feel 'almost normal,' highlighting the severity and persistence of her brother’s violence.

In a notable court ruling last October, Sheriff Gillian Wade QC sentenced Laird to complete 300 hours of community service, choosing this alternative to imprisonment. The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of the offences and the emotional harm inflicted upon the victim, despite acknowledging that Laird had no prior convictions for similar violence. However, it was revealed that Laird did have a juvenile record, which included a notorious incident at a nursery where he killed goldfish and injured guinea pigs, indicating a troubling pattern of violent behavior from a young age.

The court proceedings also uncovered that Laird’s criminal history extended beyond the recent assaults. As a juvenile, he served a four-month sentence for the goldfish killing and vandalism at the nursery, further underscoring concerns about his propensity for violence. During the trial, Mary Anne expressed her fear that her brother is dangerous, and her testimony shed light on the ongoing trauma she endured at his hands.

The case has garnered significant media attention, raising awareness about the disturbing issue of violence within families and the long-lasting impact such abuse can have on victims. The community in Cowie, where the incidents occurred, continues to grapple with the shock of these revelations, emphasizing the importance of addressing familial violence and ensuring appropriate justice for victims.