Scottish woman uses dog-camera footage to convict abusive partner

Liz Shanks installed visible CCTV cameras around her home to watch her anxious dog and deter burglars. The devices inadvertently recorded a series of brutal assaults by her partner, Chris Forrest, from 2017 through 2020, including choking and physical intimidation. In 2020 Shanks showed the recordings to police, who were reportedly shocked by the graphic content.

Forrest admitted to the abuse and was sentenced to 27 months in prison in 2022, serving roughly 13 and a half months. Shanks, who works in the fire service, says the footage gave her the confidence to report, fearing otherwise her testimony would be dismissed. She now advocates for changes to the domestic-violence justice system, warning that others could be at risk. Information on support services is provided through the NCDV helpline.