Home   News   Article

Man jailed for 14 years for abusing women in the Highlands and Moray


By Court Reporter

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Domestic abuser Sean Hartley has been sentenced for 15 years.
Domestic abuser Sean Hartley has been sentenced for 15 years.

A 35 year old man who subjected five women in the Highlands and Moray to "systematic domestic abuse" has been jailed for 14 years.

Sean Hartley was sentenced to imprisonment by the High Court in Stirling for his campaign of abuse and was also given a 25-year non harassment order.

Mr Hartley's survivors included women he was in relationships with and whom he claimed to love.

The offences spanned 15 years, from 2004 to 2019.

An investigation was launched in February 2020, once police learned of his offending, and ended after the Domestic Abuse Task Force arrested him on October 5 2020.

Mr Hartley also appeared previously at the High Court in Inverness, where he faced 26 charges, but pleaded guilty to seven, including three of rape, three of serious assaults over lengthy periods and one of domestic abuse.

Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo, of the Domestic Abuse Task Force, said: “For around 15 years, Hartley subjected his previous partners to violence and abuse, which until now had largely gone unreported and unpunished.

"Today, he is finally facing the consequences of his despicable behaviour and actions.

“It has taken immense courage for the women involved to speak to us, reliving the horror they were subjected to.

"I would like to commend them for their bravery and strength.

"I can only hope that today will provide them with some solace and allow them to move on with their lives.

“This conviction sends out a clear message that domestic abuse crimes will not be tolerated and will be investigated by Police Scotland.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to reach out to anyone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse; it is never too late to report to the police or seek support and advice from one of our partner agencies.

"If you, or anyone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse, please contact Police Scotland via 101, or 999 in an emergency."

Hartley, originally from Forres, had originally faced a total of 26 charges at the High Court in Inverness but pleaded guilty to seven, including three of rape, three of serious assaults over lengthy periods and one of a course of domestic abuse.

His offences took place in Elgin, Forres, Nairn, Burghead, Inverness, Culloden and Thurso.




This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More