LARKHALL MAN STEPHEN FULLERTON SENTENCED AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK AND FACEBOOK VIDEO

In September 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded in Larkhall, where a man named Stephen Fullerton, aged 36, committed a series of violent and degrading acts against a 39-year-old victim. The assault was reportedly linked to unpaid debts, leading Fullerton to use a knife to slash the victim's wrist in a brutal attack. Following this, Fullerton forced the victim to strip and perform sexual acts on himself, coercing him under duress. The assault was recorded and subsequently posted on Facebook, shocking viewers and prompting immediate police action.

According to reports, Fullerton, who was known to the victim and had been friends with him, subjected him to this ordeal in his own home in Larkhall. After the assault, the victim was confined in a cupboard overnight, unable to escape until the following morning when Fullerton was asleep. Seizing the opportunity, the victim managed to flee and seek help, leading to Fullerton's arrest.

The footage of the attack, which surfaced on Facebook, played a crucial role in the investigation. Authorities swiftly acted upon the evidence, and Fullerton was taken into custody. His arrest marked the beginning of legal proceedings that would bring him before Hamilton Sheriff Court.

During the court hearing, Fullerton admitted to the charges of assault and causing his victim to participate in sexual activity under duress, which took place in February. Prosecutor Michael Macintosh described the distressing scene captured in the video, stating, “Footage shows the complainer entirely naked, standing up from a bed saying ‘I’m begging you please.’ The complainer is evidently very distressed under duress before the accused asks, ‘Is that good?’ and the complainer replies, ‘No’.”

Fullerton’s defense attorney, Alan Gravelle, acknowledged his client’s responsibility for his actions and described the footage as “disturbing.” The court, led by Sheriff Thomas Millar, sentenced Fullerton to three years in prison. Additionally, the sheriff ordered that Fullerton be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring to protect the public.