A ‘cruel and selfish’ man has been found guilty of attacking his partner and leaving her for dead in a hot tub.
In a ‘truly horrifying’ assault at a property in Shetland, Aren Pearson, 41, repeatedly struck Claire Leveque, 24,on the head, neck and body with knives or similar instruments.
He also inflicted blunt force trauma to her head, neck and body, compressed her neck, and submerged her head and body in water.
Ms Leveque, a Canadian national, was found in a hot tub with ‘serious injuries’ and died a short time later.
Before officers arrived at the scene, Pearson drove to a nearby pier and drove his car into the sea, before returning home.
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Pearson was found guilty of Ms Leveque’s murder on Wednesday, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
In his final remarks, the judge said Pearson would likely be jailed for life. His sentencing will take place in the coming months.
Detective Inspector Richard Baird said the level of violence inflicted by Pearson was ‘horrifying’, adding: ‘Our investigation uncovered evidence of a controlling and violent relationship with Claire Leveque, where Pearson sought to degrade and abuse her prior to her death.
‘These actions and his actions after his violent attack, which led to her death, show him as a cruel and selfish individual, and it is right that he will now face the consequences of what he has done.
‘Today’s verdict cannot change what happened, but I hope it brings a degree of closure to Claire’s family.’
Learn more about Killed Women
Killed Women is an organisation and network for the bereaved families of women who were killed by men, and they’re campaigning for change.
Killed Women want to change the perception that these deaths and injustices are unavoidable tragedies to be expected and accepted. They’re campaigning to:
- Help protect more women from these most extreme forms of violence
- Get justice for those who have lost their lives at the hands of men
- Improve the support and rights of the bereaved families left behind, especially for children
If you are a bereaved relative of a woman who has been killed by a man, you can reach out to Killed Women on info@killedwomen.org. To find out more about the organisation, click here.
Chief Inspector Chris Sewell, Shetland area commander, said that, fortunately, crimes of this nature are rare in Shetland.
‘This was a harrowing incident which we know had a wide impact across the local community in our islands,’ he said.
‘I know that many people’s thoughts across Shetland will be with Claire Leveque’s family and friends today.’
He added: ‘We will continue to work closely with our partners to support the community and to tackle violence against women and girls, ensuring that Shetland remains a safe place for everyone.’
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