ABERDEEN MAN ADMITS DOMESTIC ABUSE AND ANIMAL CRUELTY IN FRASERBURGH
An Aberdeen man has admitted to abusing his former partner and throwing his dog to the ground during an argument that took place last year.Stephen Calder, aged 67 and residing in Balnagask Circle, Aberdeen, did not show up at Peterhead Sheriff Court for his sentencing but pleaded guilty to two charges related to domestic abuse.The court proceedings revealed that Calder had been in a relationship with the woman for four years.On May 4, 2023, Calder was at the woman’s flat on Sycamore Row in Fraserburgh, where she found him intoxicated in the living room.He had taken his dog for a walk at around 2.30 pm and returned about an hour later.
The court heard that Calder then picked up the dog and hurled it onto the ground, frightening the animal.
The woman tried to intervene by picking up the dog, but Calder manhandled her by grabbing her wrists and pulling her toward him before seizing the dog again.Concerns over mental healthLater that evening, at 6.30 pm, the woman contacted NHS 24 out of concern over Calder’s mood and behaviour.
During the call, Calder was shouting and swearing in the background, and at some point, she informed the call handler that he had assaulted her.The authorities were alerted, and the police attended Calder's residence the same night, leading to his arrest.Calder’s lawyer, Iain Jane, mentioned that the couple had no children together and that Calder was now considered disabled.
He also stated that the dog was surrendered on the same day and that Calder admitted to grabbing the woman, pulling her, acting aggressively with shouting and swearing, and throwing the dog to the ground.Sheriff Craig Findlater decided to defer the sentence for good behaviour and ordered Calder to stay away from his ex-partner until the review hearing scheduled for May 20, 2024.
