In 2015, a viral event captured the attention of millions of internet users around the world. A dress became the epicenter of a global social media frenzy, dividing opinions sharply. 9 years after that event, Keir Johnstonthe man behind this photo, was sentenced to prison after trying to kill his ex-wife.
The Johnston couple gained worldwide attention when they shared a photograph of a dress that sparked debate about its color. The image, due to its poor quality, led some people to see it as black and blue, while others perceived it as white and gold. This controversy even involved public figures such as Taylor Swift and kim kardashian. The bride’s mother was the one who wore the dress during the wedding.
Keir Johnstonthe protagonist of the famous photograph He has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for violently attacking his wife. The 38 year old man He strangled his ex-partner and threatened her with a knife during an attack on his home on the Isle of Colonsay, in the Inner Hebrides.
The violent attack occurred on March 6, 2022, after Johnston drank in a quiz pub. Upon arriving home, Johnston argued with his wife that she had received messages from him complaining that she did not support him and announcing her intention to leave her. The situation escalated quickly, ending in an attack where Johnston He pinned her to the ground while strangling her. Frightened for her life, the woman managed to scream and a witness intervened, allowing her to call the police and report: “My husband is trying to kill me.”.
Keir Johnstonwho reside in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, changed his statement and admitted the assault before going to trial. The court of glasgow He heard that this was not the first time the attacker attacked his wife. On this occasion, after a first strangulation attempt, Johnston He attacked again, this time with a knife, shouting that “someone is going to die”but was again interrupted by a witness.
The defense attorney, Marco Guarinoasked the judge Lady Drummond consider a non-prison sentence, arguing that Johnston He had voluntarily sought help for his behavioral problems, was a first-time offender, and had no other pending matters with the law.
The judge Lady Drummond ruled that “The only appropriate sentence for a crime of such gravity is prison.”. In addition to the sentence of 54 months (4.5 years) in prison, Johnston was given a non-harassment order banning him from contacting the victim for 10 years.. The judge noted that “the effects of their actions will last forever” in reference to the emotional, psychological and financial impact that his ex-wife has suffered.
Speaking of Mrs Johnston’s ordeal, the judge said: “She feared for her life. The strangulation lasted 20 seconds.” After the hearing, Police Scotland Inspector Simon Shanks said: “Johnston is a violent individual who is now being held responsible for her despicable behavior towards her victim.
The case has caused great impact not only because of the violence of the attack but also because Johnston and his wife had achieved public notoriety and had appeared on television shows, such as Ellen Degeneres in the United States, thanks to the famous discussion about the color of the dress.
The High Court of Glasgow has been the scene of these events and has highlighted the dangerous and repetitive behavior of Keir Johnstonhighlighting the seriousness of domestic abuse and the efforts of justice to protect victims.
