Latest news with #DomesticAbuse(Scotland)Act2018
Glasgow Times
17 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Domestic abuse cases double weeks before Clydebank women's aid closure
Dawn Brennan, founder of Women Supporting Women, says "something needs to change" after the latest government figures revealed a 116% increase in domestic abuse cases, weeks before the town's Women's Aid centre is to close. Dawn said: "The campaign is aimed at confronting the attitude within the council towards violence against women and what appears to be a complete lack of understanding, because the statistics are horrific. "When we see statistics like these go up, the violence increases, and women are increasingly affected by poverty in West Dunbartonshire. "There doesn't seem to be an understanding of the seriousness of this situation now." West Dunbartonshire Council, however, says they are committed to tackling domestic abuse within the local authority area. READ NEXT: 'You are a danger to young vulnerable boys': Man groomed teen boy Glasgow READ NEXT: Glasgow man stabbed nephew after he took his kebab sauce Dawn Brennan and mum Anne Buchanan at Clydebank Women's Aid. (Image: GordonTerris/Herald&Times) Clydebank Women's Aid (CWA) announced its closure after more than 40 years at the beginning of June, stating "with the heaviest of hearts," they will shut their doors on July 17. According to the Scottish Government statistics, crimes committed under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 have more than doubled between 2022/23 and 2024/25. West Dunbartonshire Council say they have not reduced the funding to Clydebank Women's Aid after a commitment of £125,000 annually was agreed in 2022. The council confirmed that, following CWA's closure, funding will be ringfenced to women's services in the area. However, Dawn claims the council isn't doing enough in the face of the rising domestic abuse cases. She added: "I think it's a disgrace that councils that are charged at the very least with the protection of communities are behaving in this way. Something has to change. "Their behaviour and the lack of accountability have now motivated groups of women in this community to be really angry. "This is going to get worse in this community because when Women's Aid goes, not only do women not have access to support to recover from violence against women. It emboldens perpetrators." A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council said they are committed to providing funding to tackle domestic abuse cases in the authority. A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesperson said: 'We are committed to tackling domestic abuse, and alongside our own work on this issue, have supported Clydebank Women's Aid (CWA) for many years, including providing £125,000 annual funding and covering rental charges. 'While the charity's decision to close is disappointing, supporting those impacted by domestic abuse remains our priority. "All previously committed funding will continue for the purpose it was intended, and work with the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) partnership continues to ensure comprehensive support and care remain available across West Dunbartonshire. "This multi-agency partnership continues to focus on both prevention and access to services, with strengthened risk management arrangements in place to ensure the right support for those experiencing violence and harm.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Man who tried to kill estranged wife in Edinburgh hit-and-run handed longer jail term
William Budge was originally sentenced to seven years and four months behind bars at the High Court in Edinburgh in February. A domestic abser who tried to kill his estranged wife by mowing her down with his car has been given an increased jail sentence following a successful Crown appeal. William Budge was originally sentenced to seven years and four months behind bars at the High Court in Edinburgh in February. The 62-year-old earlier pled guilty to a string of serious charges, including attempted murder and domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018. But prosecutors argued the punishment was too lenient and now appeal judges have agreed — quashing the original term and replacing it with a sentence of 10 years and 10 months. Budge, who has been described as a "barbaric individual", carried out a horrific attack on 64-year-old wife Sandra outside her home home in Edinburgh on April 14, 2024, claiming she had "embarrassed" him after she left him several weeks before. Sandra was left her with life-threatening injuries and long-term physical damage. The charges he admitted included assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment, danger of life and attempted murder, alongside a charge of domestic abuse. The court previously heard how Budge launched his murder bid three weeks after Sandra had ended their 33-year marriage. He parked his car outside his former partner's Edinburgh home before making attempts to speak to her when she returned to the property. Budge grabbed hold of Sandra and attempted to force her into his car as well as trying to take her mobile phone. A relative of the victim arrived and began shouting at Budge who said: "She's f---ing embarrassed me." Budge got back into his car and drove onto the grass verge, straight at the victim, lifting her onto the bonnet before she fell onto the ground. The wheels of the car went over the victim as Budge drove back onto the road. The victim was lying motionless on the grass when the accused turned his car around and drove back over his former wife again. The relative who was attempting to help had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck. The whole horrific ordeal was captured on camera. Women and children could be heard screaming as Sandra lay motionless on the ground. Budge drove off and police and paramedics attended. The unconscious victim was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where she was found to have suffered damage to her lungs and liver, internal bleeding, rib and ankle fractures and other injuries. Budge's car was later found parked unattended at an Asda car park in Dunfermline, Fife. A day later police in Glasgow were alerted to a man in the River Clyde. After being rescued, he was identified as being William Budge and arrested. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Laura Buchan, Deputy Crown Agent, welcomed the decision to increase Budge's sentence and said it reflected the seriousness of the crime: "COPFS is committed to improving the criminal justice journey for victims 'Prosecutors have a responsibility to consider appeals based upon undue leniency in sentencing. Such appeals are rare. 'The decision to increase William Budge's sentence provides reassurance that the impact of domestic abuse on victims is recognised by those within the criminal justice system. 'No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner. I would urge anyone affected by this type of offending to report it and seek support."
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh man who tried to kill wife by driving over her has jail time increased
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A man who tried to murder his estranged wife by driving over her twice with his car has had his prison sentence increased following a successful Crown appeal. William Budge was previously jailed for seven years and four months in February 2025 after earlier pleading guilty to three charges at the High Court in Edinburgh. This included a charge under Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 as well as assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment, danger of life and attempted murder. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service asked the Appeal Court to consider imposing a more severe sentence. The original sentence has now been quashed after the appeal was upheld by a panel of three judges. The 62-year-old has now been sentenced to 10 years and 10 months' imprisonment. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. While sentence is rightfully the domain of the independent judiciary, the balance of justice is served by the Crown being allowed to appeal in limited circumstances. The Appeal Court has set a high test to be satisfied that this can happen. The sentence must be unduly lenient, meaning it falls outside the range of sentences which the judge could reasonably have considered appropriate having taken account of all relevant factors. Laura Buchan, Deputy Crown Agent, said: 'COPFS is committed to improving the criminal justice journey for victims Prosecutors have a responsibility to consider appeals based upon undue leniency in sentencing. Such appeals are rare. 'The decision to increase William Budge's sentence provides reassurance that the impact of domestic abuse on victims is recognised by those within the criminal justice system. 'No one should have to live in fear of a partner or former partner. I would urge anyone affected by this type of offending to report it and seek support.' Budge attempted to murder the victim on 14 April 2024 outside her Edinburgh home, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.
Edinburgh Reporter
24-06-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Edinburgh 'burger king' down on his Lux after admitting domestic abuse charge
Edinburgh 'burger king' Alexander Galpin has pleaded guilty to domestic abuse, repeatedly engaging in aggressive behaviour and making offensive remarks to his ex-partner. Galpin, 24, owner of two Luxford Burgers restaurants, and who claims to run a portfolio of restaurants with an annual turnover of £6 million, appeared at the city's sheriff court and admitted to a charge under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018. Galpin had been in a six-month relationship with the woman but when she fell pregnant in January 2023 it led to a bust-up. He pressured her to have an abortion but she would not consent to that, leading to confrontation and arguments. The shame-faced Edinburgh University graduate, who was championed as an upcoming business star by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and self-promotes his alleged business successes, hid behind an umbrella as he left the court in Chambers Street. Shamed Galpin leaves court under a brolly, accompanied by current partner Charlie Harris – pic by Stephen Rafferty Ironically, in March, Galpin's Luxford Burgers chain boasted about supporting International Women's Day by donating 50p on each sale of a specific burger to the charity Strut Safe, which operates a volunteer support line which 'keeps women and marginalized people safe'. Galpin said at the time: 'It is so important all year round, but especially on International Women's Day, that we all do our best to try to change the world for the better.' Procurator fiscal Peter Finnon told the court that between 1 March 2023 and 31 October 2024 at 1a Hatton Lane, Warriston, and elsewhere, Galpin had engaged in a course of behaviour which was abusive to his ex-partner. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce's Rising Star, Alexander Galpin, has crashed and burned After one row over the pregnancy, Galpin left the Warriston home and his partner followed him to his car. While she was in the passenger seat he drove off with the door open, before it struck a post and the door closed. Galpin is said to have gone to the passenger door and tried to pull her from the vehicle, causing bruising to her arm. The couple rekindled the relationship in September 2023 after which Galpin is said to have encouraged the woman to make representations to the court to drop bail conditions which were in place. The charge – admitted by Galpin – states that he did repeatedly act in an aggressive manner, and encourage her to make representations in support of removal of bail conditions. The charge states that on one occasion, he seized her by the body, pulled her and caused her to fall on a bed, and that he repeatedly contacted her and made offensive remarks. One of the offensive remarks stood out, said Fiscal Peter Finnon. It was said that his ex-partner had health issues and while on a call to her doctor to seek help, Galpin contacted her with the message: 'Ask if you can get medication for malicious parent syndrome'. Following the final break up of the relationship in July 2024, Galpin is said to have engaged in what can only be called an 'extreme form' of behaviour which included repeatedly phoning and messaging his ex-partner at all hours of the day. Defence agent Matt Nicholson said that Galpin had found himself in a 'very fraught and emotional situation and that he had dealt with it badly.' Galpin has no previous convictions and Mr Nicholson said that as the owner of two restaurants, he had a good income, and if appropriate could pay a financial penalty. However, Sheriff John Cook called for social inquiry reports and ordered Galpin, of Salvesen Crescent, Edinburgh, to return to court on 1 August for sentencing. The Edinburgh Reporter revealed in February how Galpin and Luxford Burgers were feted by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce as an exemplary business and he was shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 High Growth Business of the Year, which followed him being named the Chamber's 2024 'Rising Star'. The High Growth Business award nomination stood despite The Edinburgh Reporter informing the Chamber of Commerce prior to the awards ceremony that Mr Galpin had put Luxford Burgers parent company, Secure Kitchens Ltd, into liquidation with debts of almost £120,000. Luxford Burgers left a trail of debt and now owner Alexander Galpin has pled guilty to domestic abuse charges A report by official liquidator, Begbies Traynor, showed Secure Kitchens Ltd had left 17 creditors – many small local businesses – out of pocket, with the largest amount of £78,000 due to HMRC for unpaid VAT and corporation tax. Luxford Burgers was started from a shipping container in Leith in 2020 as a 'click and collect' and delivery service before opening its first restaurant in St Leonard's Street in March 2022. A second restaurant in Brandon Terrace opened last September and 'dark kitchen' units operated in Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham and Leeds. He continues to run Luxford Burgers through Got Buns Ltd which was set up in June 2024. Galpin, who has fathered a second child by another woman, claims on his LinkedIn profile that he is Executive Director of hospitality management business Galpin Group, which 'owns and operates a portfolio of restaurants across the UK, with a combined gross turnover of £6m+ per annum'. Like this: Like Related
The National
11-05-2025
- The National
How has Scotland's ‘gold standard' law supported victims?
Dr Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women's Aid, sums up the feelings of leading victims' advocates on how the criminal court system is working for domestic abuse survivors, six years after the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 (DASA) came into force. The legislation, lauded by campaigners as the 'gold standard', created a new criminal offence of coercive control, defined as 'engaging in a course of behaviour which is abusive of a partner or ex-partner'. READ MORE: Charities blame cost-cutting for lack of specialist domestic abuse courts Despite progress, Scott feels the criminal justice system continues to demonstrate long-standing misconceptions. 'It is difficult to overcome this notion of domestic abuse as physical violence, and of physical violence being more serious than coercive and controlling behaviours – which is not what women and children have said for decades.' While the concept of 'coercive control' is now broadly understood, Scott says the problem lies with a perception that this is somehow distinct from 'domestic abuse', whereas 'pretty much every domestic abuse case includes coercion'. 'Another myth in the system' which Scott says has persisted is that if a father 'wasn't physically abusive to the children, then he must be a safe enough father'. This, she argues, is why child aggravators on domestic abuse convictions remain underused. This is despite the fact that one of the achievements of DASA was that harsher sentences can be applied where a 'reasonable person' would consider that the behaviour would cause a child to suffer harm, even where the child is not the focus of the abuse. In the face of gaps in both understanding and resources, experts in victims' experiences paint a picture of a system which has yet to catch up with the legislation at its disposal. Gemma Gall of domestic abuse charity SafeLives points to the statistics which underline this issue: 'If you look at the number of charges there were last year that were domestic abuse in nature, there were more than 30,000 charges and less than 2000 of those were DASA charges. 'That leads me to question: are there other cases where that could have been applied? We're still falling back into laws that would have been used before 2018 – assaults, sexual violence, threatening and abusive behaviour – but we're not tying it all together as well.' Gall was a Domestic Abuse Court Advocacy (DACA) worker before and after the introduction of the legislation, supporting victims to navigate the criminal court process. Now, she's leading on a programme of standards and accreditation for DACA workers, with a view to ensuring everyone who needs this kind of support is able to access it. Currently, 13 of Scotland's 32 local authorities don't have an established DACA service. Without someone to advise and advocate for them, Gall says survivors can find the process 'disempowering, like you're being treated as a piece of evidence or as a witness in a case that's very personal to you'. Positively, Gall stresses that, since the introduction of DASA, there has been a recognition from the Scottish Government that court advocacy is needed, backed by funding to 'look at ways to really centre victims', like SafeLives's work. That being said, she notes that much of the funding for advocacy services is part of the time-limited Victim Centred Approach Fund and Equally Safe Fund, so questions remain about 'what's beyond that'. According to Cynthia Gimenez, team leader of the Edinburgh Domestic Abuse Court Service (EDDACS), run by Edinburgh Women's Aid, the need for advocacy services is accentuated by the fact that 'the majority of women that go through court for domestic abuse find it re-traumatising'. READ MORE: Wildfire 'bigger than five football pitches' near Scottish town This is the result of a variety of factors. For one, while there are special measures that can be provided by courts to keep vulnerable witnesses safe during the process – such as the ability to provide evidence from a remote location or from a separate room – Gimenez says these are 'not always available' because of a 'lack of resources'. One of EDDACS's roles is to ensure victims are informed of the outcomes of hearings, however, Gimenez says the court doesn't always provide that information on the same day, resulting in situations where the victim 'might not feel safe to leave the house'. 'You don't know if the bail conditions have changed. You don't know if someone was in custody and has been released that day. You don't know if the case hasn't been taken forward because of a lack of evidence. If you are going to be trauma-informed, you would think that's essential,' she says. Ultimately, the fact that cases can take years to be prosecuted only exacerbates these issues. 'The delays are what increases that feeling of, what's the point? Why did I go through all of this – this horrific process where I was feeling unsafe and which might have potentially caused the situation to escalate – if I wasn't going to get anything out of it, if I wasn't going to feel safer at the end of it?' she says. Fiona McMullen, operations manager at Assist, a domestic abuse court advocacy service which serves 13 local authorities, echoes these concerns, while stressing that she 'would always encourage victims to report'. She adds: 'We have to acknowledge how far we've come.' One of the key achievements of DASA, McMullen says, was that it is now mandatory for sheriffs to consider non-harassment orders (NHOs) in domestic abuse cases. 'That was huge to us,' she recalls. However, sheriffs do not grant NHOs after every conviction, even where this has been requested by the victim. 'This is the biggest letdown for our clients. They've been through that journey, they've often had to give evidence – because perpetrators of domestic abuse will often not plead guilty – then they don't get a non-harassment order,' McMullen says. Another positive development which McMullen highlights is the introduction of case management pilots which are rolling out across Scotland in summary (non-jury) cases. This effectively means that the defence and prosecution can see the evidence 'earlier in the process and can better inform the plea being made', she explains. 'It reduces the need for the victim and witnesses to give evidence in court,' McMullen says, and the aim is to 'bring about early resolutions'. While this is 'very helpful', McMullen warns of a need to ensure that sheriffs 'are still sentencing robustly', which is not always the case. 'We need to make sure we're not just saying, well, they pled guilty early, so we'll admonish them, or it's a fine – and fines are inappropriate in domestic abuse cases, because you're putting a financial cost on someone's abuse,' she says. In McMullen's experience, what domestic abuse victims are looking for from the criminal justice system is 'protection' and 'something to stop the abuse'. She adds: 'If a sheriff isn't putting in a sentence that does any of that, that's when victims might begin to lose faith in the system.' Still, each of these advocates for survivors believe a better system is in reach. Gall emphasises that 'there are so many motivated people within these systems trying to make that change'. One example she highlights is that the Crown Office and Prosecution Service (COPFS) has accepted all recommendations of a recent inspection report on domestic abuse. Another is the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, which aims to improve victims' experiences with a particular focus on sexual violence cases. Gimenez feels that an important step the courts and prosecution service could take is to ensure that training in domestic abuse for all staff is made 'mandatory and embedded into their usual practice, because it constitutes a lot of the cases that are going through court'. READ MORE: Scottish musician releases single condemning Israel's war crimes in Gaza For Scott – having contributed to the training for sheriffs in the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act and observing 'no sign of improvement in sheriffs' judgements in the context of domestic abuse' – the key to change is 'accountability'. Scott says: 'The critical thing which is missing is a system that says, in order to uphold the law in Scotland, you need to be able to do these things – and if you're not doing these things in your courtroom, or in your police call, or prosecution, then you're not doing your job competently.' A recurring theme, which McMullen articulates, is that the knowledge is already there on how to deliver a system that works for victims: 'That's court advocacy, it's police resource, it's resource within COPFS to make sure that victims are engaged, and it's robust sentencing and perpetrator programmes available across Scotland which address the offending.' In many areas, McMullen says, what's missing is the resource: 'We know what good looks like – but we need the resources to deliver it.'
