Man Sentenced to 10 Years for 23-Year Abuse Campaign

George McDonald, 43, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for a 23-year campaign of controlling, violent, and sexual abuse against three women. The abuse took place across various locations in Argyll and Bute between 2000 and 2022.

McDonald's first victim was subjected to physical violence, including being struck over the head with a piece of wood and threatened with a gun. He also damaged her car by tearing out wires from the engine, leaving her stranded.

His second victim endured verbal and physical abuse, including being left without transportation on one occasion. McDonald's abuse of his third victim involved tracking her movements, breaking her phone, reading her messages, and coercing her to share her social media accounts. He also physically assaulted her and made threats against her and her parents.

McDonald was found guilty of ten charges, including two domestic abuse offences and four sexual offences, at the High Court in Paisley on July 29. On Thursday, he was given a 14-year extended sentence, with ten years in custody, at the High Court in Edinburgh. He has also been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Katrina Parkes, Scotland's procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offending, stated, "George McDonald is a dangerous individual who subjected his victims to unimaginable trauma and abuse over a number of years. It is thanks to the bravery of these women giving evidence that this prosecution has been possible." She added, "I hope this conviction brings some comfort while sending a message that this type of offending has no place in Scotland. I would urge any victim of similar crime to report it and seek support. You will be listened to, and we will use every tool available in seeking justice."

Detective Inspector Cheryl Gebbie said, "McDonald was an abusive individual, and it's difficult to comprehend the distress and suffering he caused the women in this case. They showed an enormous amount of strength in reporting these crimes to the police, and in doing so, McDonald will now face the consequences of his actions. If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse, we have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences. Please report it, and be assured you will be fully supported and listened to."