SHAUN KIPPEN FROM COWDENBEATH SENTENCED FOR STALKING AND HARASSMENT IN DUNFERMLINE

A man from Cowdenbeath, Shaun Kippen, aged 33, faced the court in Dunfermline after a series of disturbing incidents targeting his former partner. The court heard that Kippen’s actions, which spanned from September 1 to October 20 of the previous year, involved a persistent campaign of harassment across multiple locations in the Dunfermline area, including Greenmount, High Street, Westburn Avenue, and Dalbeath Crescent.

These actions were not isolated but part of a deliberate course of conduct intended to instill fear and alarm in his ex-partner. The court was informed that Kippen repeatedly sent threatening messages via text, social media, and email, despite her explicit requests for him to cease all contact. His behavior extended beyond digital communication; he watched her, followed her on foot, and engaged in shouting and swearing at her in public spaces, fully aware that his contact was unwanted and causing her distress.

The relationship between Kippen and the woman had lasted approximately two years before ending in July of the previous year. Following their breakup, she received numerous messages from Kippen, which she made clear she did not wish to receive. Despite her efforts to block his number, he continued to attempt contact through her workplace Facebook account and email address, demonstrating a clear pattern of harassment.

The incident that brought Kippen before the court involved a night out at Partners’ nightclub, where the victim was accompanied by a friend. She recognized Kippen at the venue and, despite her efforts to avoid him, he approached her and tried to speak. She decided to leave the club to avoid further confrontation. When she attempted to take a taxi home, she found none available, prompting her to opt for walking instead. During her walk, Kippen followed her, which led her to call the police for assistance. As she made the call, Kippen shouted a profane remark, saying, 'F*** you.'

Defense solicitor Peter Robertson described Kippen as “a man with a broken heart” at the time of the offending, attempting to provide context for his client’s behavior. However, Sheriff Charles MacNair underscored the seriousness of stalking and harassment, characterizing it as “an invidious offence which becomes very frightening and can cause significant harm to the victim.” The sheriff also highlighted Kippen’s prior conviction from 2015 for similar conduct, indicating a pattern of troubling behavior.

In sentencing, the court imposed a community payback order requiring Kippen to complete 225 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, a 12-month non-harassment order was put in place to prevent further contact with the victim, aiming to protect her from any future distress or intimidation.