Man laughed after he fired shotgun at wife

COURT: Boasting to a colleague about the offence three decades ago came back to haunt Robert Burke who was charged

A Fife man fired a shotgun at his wife as she lay in bed and then laughed, a court has heard.

However, the incident 30 years ago, came back to haunt Robert Burke when he bragged about it to a work colleague.

She was concerned about the safety of Burke’s current partner and started making inquiries which led to him being charged.

Burke, 54, of Burnside Crescent, Rosyth, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on or between November 20 1984 and December 31 1988 at an address in Fraser Avenue, Inverkeithing, he assaulted his wife Selina Burke, stated “That’s it”, pointed a shotgun at her and discharged it.

He also admitted that on or between November 1 and 30 2010 at Burnside Crescent, Rosyth, he maliciously damaged a laptop computer.

Depute fiscal Claire Bremner said the couple married in 1982, had three children together and separated in 2014.

His wife had described Burke as being “controlling and manipulative” from early in their relationship.

She said he collected weapons such as axes, air rifles and cross bows. He used them for target practice at a quarry.

At some point he came into possession of a shotgun and used this in the first charge.

His wife was in bed when Burke opened the door and pointed the gun at her.

He said, “That’s it” and pulled the trigger.

There was a loud bang and flash. His wife screamed but Burke just laughed and left the room.

In 2010, his wife told Burke their relationship was over. He reacted aggressively and smashed a laptop. The couple eventually split up in May 2014.

In February 2015, Burke began working beside a woman and during a conversation told her about the incident where he had pointed a shotgun at his wife.

“She was even more p ***** off when I pulled the trigger,” he added.

The woman was concerned for the wellbeing of Burke’s new partner and she contacted his ex-wife to check whether this had actually happened.

When she confirmed it was true, Burke’s work colleague contacted the police.

Defence solicitor James Moncrieff told the court that his client received the shotgun from his grandfather. He had it for a brief period then disposed of it, he added.

Sheriff Charles Macnair called for reports and Burke will be sentenced on December 7.