Liberton Boxer Gets Licence Despite Abuse Rap 2026

Key Points

• A former Edinburgh championship boxer convicted of domestic abuse after harassing his ex-partner has been granted a window cleaning licence by the City of Edinburgh Council.
• The individual, named Lewis Pettigrew, was convicted in 2023 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for a sustained campaign of abuse including threatening and abusive behaviour.
• Despite the conviction, councillors approved his application for a street trader’s licence to operate as a window cleaner, sparking concerns over public safety.
• The decision was made by the Licensing Sub-Committee on 28 February 2026, following a hearing where Pettigrew’s representative argued rehabilitation and no risk to the public.
• Neighbours and the ex-partner opposed the licence, citing fears for vulnerable residents, particularly elderly window cleaning customers.
• Pettigrew, aged 35 from Liberton, previously held the Scottish Universities heavyweight boxing title and competed internationally.
• The council imposed conditions including no unsupervised contact with female customers over 65 and mandatory DBS checks.
• Coverage appears primarily from The Edinburgh Reporter with reporter Katy McClune, with no additional statements from other media identified in available sources as of March 2026.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) March 4, 2026 – A former championship boxer from Edinburgh convicted of domestic abuse has been granted a window cleaning licence by the City of Edinburgh Council, despite objections from his ex-partner and concerned neighbours over potential risks to vulnerable residents.​

The decision has ignited debate about the balance between rehabilitation and public protection in licensing vulnerable public-facing roles.

What Led to Lewis Pettigrew’s Conviction?

Lewis Pettigrew, 35, from Liberton in south Edinburgh, was convicted at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in 2023 following a prolonged campaign of harassment against his ex-partner.

As reported by Katy McClune of The Edinburgh Reporter, the court heard that Pettigrew subjected his former partner to repeated threatening and abusive behaviour between January and August 2022.​

Sheriff Charles MacNair sentenced Pettigrew to 240 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month supervision order, deeming custody inappropriate given the circumstances.

Pettigrew’s abusive actions included persistent unwanted contact, threats, and behaviour that caused fear and alarm, according to court documents cited in the article.

The conviction centred on domestic abuse charges under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, highlighting a pattern of coercive control.

Why Did Pettigrew Apply for a Window Cleaning Licence?

Pettigrew sought a street trader’s licence from the City of Edinburgh Council to operate a window cleaning business, entering homes particularly of elderly residents.

As detailed by Katy McClune of The Edinburgh Reporter, the application process required a public hearing due to Pettigrew’s criminal record, as mandated by council policy for “fit and proper person” tests.​

Pettigrew’s agent, Gary McLean, argued before the Licensing Sub-Committee that his client posed no ongoing risk, emphasising rehabilitation since the conviction.

“Mr Pettigrew has turned his life around,” stated Gary McLean, noting completion of unpaid work and no further offences.​

The former boxer’s sporting background was referenced, with Pettigrew having won the Scottish Universities heavyweight boxing championship and represented Scotland internationally.

Councillors heard that Pettigrew aimed to serve the Liberton community where he resides, focusing on legitimate self-employment post-conviction.

Who Opposed the Licence Application?

Strong objections came from Pettigrew’s ex-partner and local residents, voicing safety fears for elderly customers.

The ex-partner, speaking anonymously, told the Licensing Sub-Committee: “I am terrified he will be granted this licence and go into people’s houses. Old ladies will be terrified if he goes to their door.”​

As reported by Katy McClune of The Edinburgh Reporter, the ex-partner described Pettigrew’s past abuse as “the most horrendous time of my life,” involving relentless harassment.​

Neighbours submitted letters warning of Pettigrew’s “intimidating” physical presence as a former heavyweight boxer, unfit for home access roles.

One resident stated: “Given his history of domestic violence and his size and strength, there is a real and credible risk to the public.”​

Objections highlighted vulnerability of elderly clients, often living alone, reliant on trusted window cleaners.

What Conditions Did the Council Impose?

The Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Scott Douglas, approved the licence on 28 February 2026 with strict safeguards.

Conditions include:

• No unsupervised access to female customers aged over 65.
• Mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before any home entry.
• Requirement to inform all customers of his identity upfront.

Councillor Douglas explained: “Whilst we have sympathy for those who objected, we took the view that the conditions sufficiently mitigate any risk.”​

As per Katy McClune’s reporting in The Edinburgh Reporter, the panel deemed Pettigrew a “fit and proper person” under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, prioritising rehabilitation evidence.​

The decision allows operation in Edinburgh for 12 months, subject to review.

How Does Edinburgh Council Assess ‘Fit and Proper Person’ Tests?

Council policy requires rigorous scrutiny for licences involving public trust, especially with criminal histories.

Katy McClune of The Edinburgh Reporter notes that domestic abuse convictions trigger automatic hearings, unlike minor offences.​

Factors weighed include offence severity, time elapsed, rehabilitation proof, and public safety risks.

In Pettigrew’s case, over two years since conviction and no reoffending swayed the panel.

Licensing manager Pauline Mills confirmed: “Each case is judged on its merits with public protection paramount.”​

Similar cases have seen refusals, such as sex offenders barred from child-facing roles.

What Is Pettigrew’s Boxing Background?

Lewis Pettigrew rose to prominence as a heavyweight boxer, earning the Scottish Universities championship during university years.

He represented Scotland at international level, competing against top amateur talents.

The Edinburgh Reporter coverage by Katy McClune describes his physical stature—over 6ft and heavily built—as a factor in objections.​

Post-boxing, Pettigrew transitioned to other work before the conviction derailed prospects.

Supporters at the hearing portrayed boxing as instilling discipline, aiding his post-conviction stability.

What Are the Broader Implications for Licensing in Edinburgh?

This approval raises questions on handling domestic abuse convictions in public service roles.

Victim advocates may challenge the decision, arguing it minimises abuse seriousness.

Council data shows rising licence applications amid cost-of-living pressures, straining scrutiny.

Gary McLean, Pettigrew’s agent, defended: “Refusal would punish rehabilitation unfairly.”​

Neighbours plan monitoring, ready to report breaches.

No other media coverage found beyond The Edinburgh Reporter as of 4 March 2026, but local forums buzz with debate.

Could the Decision Be Challenged?

Objectors hold rights to judicial review if procedures flawed.

Ex-partner indicated: “I won’t stop fighting this; vulnerable people deserve protection.”​

Council insists conditions robust, with revocation possible for breaches.

Sheriff Court records remain sealed beyond conviction basics.

Future applications face heightened scrutiny post-publicity.

Why Does This Matter to Edinburgh Residents?

Window cleaning accesses private homes, trusting strangers with keys and solitude.

Elderly isolation amplifies risks from unfit traders.

Council balances employment rights against safety.

Pettigrew’s case tests “second chances” limits in crime-impacted communities.

Liberton residents urge vigilance, sharing warnings locally.