Kieran Mario – Fife, Scotland

A man from Kirkcaldy narrowly avoided being sent to prison after he was found guilty of threatening his partner while wielding a loaded crossbow. Kieran Marko, who resides on Hendry Crescent in Kirkcaldy, appeared once again before the sheriff court in the town to face sentencing following his admission to a series of domestic abuse incidents spanning over a month.

Marko, aged 23, was handed a sentence that included the maximum possible amount of unpaid work and was placed under a curfew. Additionally, the court issued a two-year restraining order to protect his victim from further contact or harassment. The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the threats and the use of a weapon during the abusive episodes.

The incidents came to light during a trial held earlier this year at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court. During proceedings, Marko admitted to engaging in a pattern of abusive behavior towards his partner. His victim was compelled to testify in court, providing evidence of the abuse that occurred between December 2, 2023, and January 1, 2024.

According to court records, Marko acknowledged that on at least one occasion, he shouted aggressively at his partner, displaying threatening behavior. He then took a loaded crossbow, aimed it at her, and issued a violent threat. The court heard that on another occasion, Marko physically seized the woman by her wrists and throat, further escalating the violence. A third incident involved him attempting to grab her by the throat once more.

Furthermore, Marko admitted to a fourth incident where he acted aggressively again, this time repeatedly questioning whether the woman had contacted the police while wielding the loaded crossbow and making additional violent threats. During these episodes, the woman sustained injuries, highlighting the dangerous nature of his actions.

He also confessed to breaching a specific bail condition related to the victim, which resulted in him being admonished by the court. Despite the seriousness of the offenses, sentencing was deferred to allow for reports to be prepared, providing a comprehensive view of his circumstances.

Solicitor Calum Harris addressed the court on behalf of Marko, stating that his client accepts full responsibility for his actions. Harris explained that Marko has limited memory of the incidents due to intoxication at the time, but he does not believe the victim would lie about what happened. Harris also highlighted that Marko has a relatively clean criminal record, is employed part-time, and is currently struggling with alcohol dependency and ADHD.

He emphasized that while punishment is necessary, especially considering the use of a weapon, the report recommends a community-based sentence with a care package to assist Marko’s rehabilitation. Harris noted that this incident has served as a wake-up call for his client, marking a turning point in his life.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Craig McSherry ordered Marko to complete 300 hours of unpaid community service. He also placed him under supervision for a period of one year and imposed a curfew from 7 pm to 7 am for three months. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued, preventing Marko from contacting or approaching the victim for two years. The sheriff emphasized that the sentence was chosen as an alternative to imprisonment, reflecting the court’s consideration of the circumstances and the potential for rehabilitation.