ZACK MAXWELL

Teen Pleads Guilty to Abusive Behaviour After Kidnapping Pregnant Woman Jedburgh, Scotland — July 3, 2025 Zack Maxwell, an 18-year-old from Galashiels, has admitted to carrying out a disturbing campaign of abuse against a pregnant woman — including locking her in a house, breaking her phone, and cutting off internet access to prevent her from calling for help.

Maxwell appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2021, which covers engaging in a course of abusive behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner.

The incidents occurred between June 1 and June 30, 2023, at a property in the Scottish Borders.

Prosecutors said Maxwell prevented the woman from leaving, deliberately isolated her from communication, and subjected her to threatening and abusive conduct during her pregnancy.

At an earlier court appearance, Maxwell had denied the accusations and was released on bail under the strict condition that he have no contact with the victim.

A trial had been scheduled for April 10, but that proceeding is no longer necessary following his guilty plea.

Maxwell, of Glendinning Terrace, now awaits sentencing.

The case has sparked renewed attention on domestic abuse laws and the dangers of coercive control in relationships.