Shocking case ends with life sentence in Edinburgh High Court
The High Court in Edinburgh has handed Aren Pearson a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years after he was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Claire Leveque, in a hot tub at his mother’s home in Sandness, Shetland, on 11 February 2024. The brutal attack left the 24-year-old woman with more than two dozen stab wounds to the heart, face, and neck, according to court proceedings. Pearson, 41, from Canada, faced trial after denying murder and claiming Leveque had stabbed herself. The jury, however, rejected his account, convicting him of murder and of a separate assault charge.
Evidence presented to the court
Prosecutors laid out a detailed narrative of the crime, including a 999 call in which Pearson confessed to stabbing Leveque multiple times. Jurors heard that the killer also inflicted superficial injuries on himself, which he attributed to an attempt to stage a scene. The evidence further showed a history of coercive and violent behavior within the relationship, with Pearson allegedly seeking to degrade Leveque before the fatal assault.
What happened on the night
According to witnesses and recordings, Pearson dragged Leveque to a hot tub in a garage, where she confronted him over alleged abuse on her birthday. In the 999 call and subsequent statements to police and hospital staff, Pearson admitted to stabbing Leveque, claiming she had struck him and that he acted in a moment of anger. He also described driving his Porsche off a pier at one point, an action mirrored in his later comments to emergency staff. Leveque had traveled from Canada to be with Pearson, who subsequently described himself as in control of the situation until the killing.
Legal proceedings and outcome
The court heard that Pearson confessed to the killing to multiple parties, including a 999 operator, police officers, and medical staff, yet maintained an alternative narrative during the trial. A psychiatrist who assessed Pearson concluded he was not suffering from a mental illness at the time of the offence. The verdict marked an end to a case that drew attention to domestic violence dynamics, coercive control, and the devastating consequences when intimate partner violence escalates to murder.
Reactions and impact
Claire Leveque’s family spoke of their loss and the desire to remember her as a vibrant, adventurous person who loved to explore the world. In statements following the verdict, relatives offered memories of her energy and courage, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for victims of violence. Detective Inspector Richard Baird commented that the brutality of the attack reflected a terrifying pattern of coercion and control, and he expressed hope that the verdict provides some closure for Leveque’s loved ones.
Broader context
This case underscores ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the ways in which early warnings and controlling behaviors can precede fatal outcomes. Legal experts note that courts increasingly focus on preventing harm by acknowledging coercive dynamics within relationships and ensuring punishments reflect the severity of such crimes. While the sentence cannot undo the tragedy, it stands as a formal recognition of Claire Leveque’s life and a warning to others about the consequences of intimate partner violence.
