Scottish poet Len Pennie has opened up about the devastating impact of a four-year battle to escape domestic abuse. The 24-year-old, known for her popular 'Scots Word of the Day' social media videos, maintained a confident public persona while privately enduring violence and stalking from an ex-partner.
Pennie's online content gained a global following of over 1.3 million people during lockdown, but her appearances became less frequent as she struggled with the abuse. A new BBC Disclosure documentary, airing on 11 March, follows her journey through the Scottish courts as she sought justice.
The abuse began during her relationship with her ex-partner, which started in 2017. After leaving him in 2020, he subjected her to a campaign of harassment, including hundreds of voicemails, audio files and social media messages. Despite reporting him to police, the messages continued until his conviction last October.
At Dundee Sheriff Court, the ex-partner pleaded guilty to a charge under Scotland's Domestic Abuse Act, admitting to pushing Pennie to the ground twice and twisting her arm behind her back during lockdown. He was sentenced to a two-year rehabilitation course and given a three-year non-harassment order.
Pennie described the ordeal as poisoning every aspect of her life, affecting her mental and physical health, finances, job and home situation. She credited support from organisations including Action Against Stalking, Fife Women's Aid and Dundee Assist for providing lifeline support.
Speaking after the conviction, Pennie fought back tears of relief outside court. She urged other survivors to seek help, saying: 'There are people out there who will believe you and will listen to you and will fight for you.'
