Man Convicted for Fatally Stabbing Girlfriend in Shetland Hot Tub
A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his girlfriend in a hot tub in Shetland. Aren Pearson, aged 41, was found guilty of fatally stabbing 24-year-old Claire Leveque in a violent attack at his mother’s home in Sandness on February 11, 2022.
Murder Details and Court Proceedings
During the trial, Pearson claimed that Claire Leveque had stabbed herself. However, the jury at the High Court in Edinburgh rejected this defense, concluding that Pearson was guilty of the crime. Judge Lord Arthurson characterized the murder as one of “exceptional depravity” and “feral butchery,” emphasizing the troubling nature of the evidence presented against Pearson.
- Victim: Claire Leveque, 24
- Perpetrator: Aren Pearson, 41
- Date of Incident: February 11, 2022
- Location: Sandness, Shetland
- Verdict: Guilty of murder
- Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility
Nature of the Attack
Leveque was brutally stabbed over 25 times, suffering severe injuries to her neck and chest. Police reports described the scene as horrific, with Leveque found in a hot tub filled with blood. During a 999 call, Pearson admitted to stabbing Leveque approximately 40 times before injuring himself. His mother had contacted emergency services, describing her son’s behavior as erratic following the attack.
The Relationship and Background
The couple, originally from Canada, had relocated to Scotland earlier in 2022. Evidence presented at trial indicated that their relationship was marked by Pearson’s controlling and violent behavior towards Leveque. Detective Inspector Richard Baird remarked on the horrific level of violence exercised against her.
Witness Testimonies and Family Responses
Family and friends have mourned the tragic loss of Claire Leveque. Her father, Clint, expressed that she was a loving and cheerful person, emphasizing her close bond with her family. He noted that Leveque maintained a positive outlook on life, while her cousin, Hope Ingram, described her as vibrant and full of life.
After the verdict, Ingram also highlighted the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence to support other victims. Community leaders, including Andrea Manson from Shetland Islands Council, acknowledged the impact of the case on a typically safe and caring community, expressing hope for closure for Leveque’s family.
