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Aberdeen assault highlights urgent need to tackle drug-related violence

Saturday, 24 May 2025 1:35AM UTC

The violent assault involving Callum Mathieson and Elizabeth Milne in Aberdeen exposes the escalating threat of drug-related aggression and tests the justice system's approach to rehabilitation versus punishment.

A violent episode in Aberdeen has left a community rattled after two individuals, Callum Mathieson and Elizabeth Milne, were involved in an assault that escalated alarmingly, linked reportedly to crack cocaine use. Both appeared in Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where they admitted to their roles in the brutal incident. The attack, which took place in a flat in the Northfield area, was not only shocking for its ferocity but also reflected the growing issue of drug-related violence in urban centres.

On the evening of April 2, 2022, the situation unfolded when Mathieson, wielding a metal baseball bat, threatened his neighbour during a disturbance in the communal hallway of their residence. Upon entering the neighbour's flat, he struck the victim across the head with the bat, while Milne charged in, pushing past friends of the victim and physically assaulting him. The injured man, despite the violent provocation, managed to remain calm and attempted to de-escalate the situation by urging the couple to leave.

Milne's aggression extended beyond the assault on the neighbour; she later resisted arrest, displaying further violent tendencies. When police arrived, she attempted to escape and became physically combative, leading to her being restrained. Mathieson's justification at the time of his arrest—that he knew the victim—provides little reassurance in light of the severity of his actions.

The court found both Mathieson and Milne to possess "unenviable" criminal records. Mathieson's defence portrayed him as someone who has since undergone a significant personal transformation, having stopped substance abuse and engaged in self-improvement. Milne, however, was described as having a tendency to respond violently when her personal space was encroached upon. Her solicitor noted the lack of recollection from that night, suggesting that substance use might have exacerbated her reactions.

Sheriff Janys Scott delivered a stern warning to both defendants, particularly highlighting Milne's precarious situation, indicating she was in the "last chance saloon." This acute phrasing echoes a broader societal concern regarding recidivism, especially amongst individuals with extensive criminal histories. In Milne's case, she was placed under an 18-month community payback order and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, while Mathieson was tagged electronically for eight months.

This incident is symptomatic of a troubling trend; similar assaults involving baseball bats have occasionally erupted in urban environments. For instance, a man was brutally attacked in Glasgow in 2017, and previous incidents have been recorded across different locales, illustrating the alarming tendency towards extreme violence associated with firearms and blunt instruments in public disputes or drug-related altercations.

The recurring theme in such cases not only sheds light on personal responsibility but also calls to attention the societal issues surrounding drug dependency and the ramifications it has on community safety and wellbeing. As urban centres grapple with these kinds of violent outbursts, the justice system’s responses may not just be punitive; they must also consider rehabilitation and prevention strategies to break the cycle of violence that plagues many neighbourhoods.

The outcomes for Mathieson and Milne will be watched closely, serving as a litmus test for the efficacy of community orders and the potential for behavioural change in those caught in the grip of substance abuse and violent lifestyles.

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/crime-courts/6763400/neighbour-baseball-bat-attack-aberdeen/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-14104337 - In July 2011, a 41-year-old man was attacked and robbed in Aberdeen's Torry area by a group wielding a suspected baseball bat. The victim sustained injuries to his face, arm, and leg. Three teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were charged in connection with the incident. The police appealed for witnesses to come forward to assist with the investigation.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-42195187 - In November 2017, a 26-year-old man was attacked by three individuals with baseball bats in Glasgow's Inverleith Street. The assault occurred after a verbal altercation with another man on Murrayfield Street. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Police are treating the attack as attempted murder and are seeking information from the public.
https://www.wbaltv.com/article/man-accused-of-hitting-boy-with-baseball-bat-punching-man/7097359 - In November 2015, 30-year-old Matthew Channing Vanreenen was arrested in Aberdeen, Maryland, for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old boy with a baseball bat and punching the boy's father. The incident occurred in the 100 block of Hanover Street and was reportedly due to an ongoing dispute between Vanreenen's stepfather and the victims. Both victims sought medical attention independently.
https://www.wcbi.com/person-injured-by-baseball-bat-during-lowndes-county-home-invasion/ - In September 2022, a suspect identified as Jarett Cooperyoung Jr. was involved in a home invasion in Lowndes County, Mississippi. Cooperyoung allegedly forced his way into a residence, assaulted the homeowner with an aluminum baseball bat, and stole items from the home, including a vehicle. He was later arrested in Aberdeen, Mississippi, and charged with armed robbery and felony vehicle theft.
https://www.daggerpress.com/2015/11/22/father-and-son-assaulted-with-baseball-bat-in-aberdeen-suspect-arrested/ - In November 2015, Aberdeen Police arrested 30-year-old Matthew Channing Vanreenen for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old boy and his father with a baseball bat in the 100 block of Hanover Street. The attack was reportedly due to an ongoing dispute between Vanreenen's stepfather and the victims. Both victims sustained injuries and sought medical attention independently.
https://www.daggerpress.com/2012/07/06/dagger-blotter-july-2-3-50-person-baseball-bat-fight-in-aberdeen-bat-bites-person-in-bel-air-thief-steals-wheelchair-from-edgewood-mcdonalds/ - In July 2012, a 50-person fight involving baseball bats was reported in Aberdeen, Maryland. The incident was part of the Dagger Blotter, which compiles records of calls for service received by the Harford County Sheriff's Office. The blotter also mentioned other incidents, including a bat bite in Bel Air and a wheelchair theft from an Edgewood McDonald's.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 3

Notes: The narrative reports on an assault involving Callum Mathieson and Elizabeth Milne in Aberdeen, dated April 2, 2022. A search reveals no earlier publications of this specific incident, suggesting the content is original. However, the Press and Journal, the source of the narrative, has a history of publishing similar court-related stories, indicating a pattern of reporting on such incidents. The lack of earlier coverage may raise questions about the freshness of the information. Additionally, the narrative includes detailed descriptions of the incident, which may be based on a press release, typically warranting a higher freshness score. However, the absence of corroborating reports from other reputable outlets diminishes the freshness score. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material suggests that while the update may justify a higher freshness score, it should still be flagged. ([muckrack.com](https://muckrack.com/ellie-milne/articles?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score: 2

Notes: The narrative includes direct quotes attributed to the defendants' defence and the sheriff. A search for these specific quotes yields no earlier matches, indicating they may be original or exclusive. However, the lack of corroboration from other reputable sources raises concerns about the authenticity and originality of the quotes.

Source reliability

Score: 5

Notes: The narrative originates from the Press and Journal, a regional newspaper with a history of reporting on local incidents. While it is a known source, its regional focus and lack of broader coverage may limit the reliability of the information presented.

Plausability check

Score: 4

Notes: The narrative describes a violent assault involving a metal baseball bat in Aberdeen, with detailed accounts of the defendants' actions and subsequent court proceedings. While such incidents are plausible, the lack of corroboration from other reputable sources and the absence of earlier coverage raise questions about the accuracy and authenticity of the claims. The detailed descriptions may be based on a press release, which typically warrants a higher freshness score but also suggests potential bias or lack of independent verification.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative presents a detailed account of an assault in Aberdeen, but the lack of corroboration from other reputable sources, potential reliance on a press release, and absence of earlier coverage raise significant concerns about its authenticity and reliability. The originality of the quotes and detailed descriptions is questionable, and the plausibility of the incident is uncertain without independent verification.

Aberdeen
drug-related violence
court case
community safety
substance abuse