Man who tried to murder partner in 15-year campaign of abuse jailed for 12 years

This article contains details that some readers may find distressing

A man who subjected his partner to a 15-year campaign of domestic terror has been jailed for at least 12 years.

David MacDonald was convicted last month of rape and attempted murder following years of physical abuse and coercive control directed at his estranged wife Danielle.

During the abuse, MacDonald spat on his wife, isolated her from friends, took money and bank cards from her and struck her head against a lamp post.

He was also found guilty of offences against children, including forcing a boy to eat from a dog bowl and holding a knife to his throat.

The violence culminated on December 18, 2023, when MacDonald pulled Danielle onto a sofa, dropped a weight on her body and attempted to strangle her to death.

Danielle and David on their wedding day in 2010 Supplied

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how a surgeon who treated Danielle after she was taken to A&E in December 2023 described her injuries as seen in “high energy road traffic accidents”.

MacDonald, who has previous convictions for violent crime and domestic abuse, had denied a series of charges during an earlier trial before he was convicted of attempted murder, assault to severe injury and danger of life, multiple rapes, sexual assault and threatening or abusive behaviour.

He gave evidence at the trial and denied any abuse of the victim, maintained that sex was with consent and that he acted in self defence at the time of the attempted murder, but was disbelieved by jurors.

On Wednesday, MacDonald was handed a 16-year extended sentence and will spend 12 years behind bars.

The judge ordered that MacDonald should be under supervision and monitored in the community for a further four-year period, when he will be on licence and can be returned to prison if he breaches the conditions.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Judge Welsh told him: “The violence used by you against your partner, was always associated with the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol and drugs like cocaine.

“Over 13 years, you subjected your then partner to a shocking and prolonged ordeal of rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse and finally, attempted murder, which the jury found was itself aggravated by being a crime, committed against a partner.”

Mum who survived 15-year campaign of abuse says system failed her

Edinburgh & East

Mum who survived 15-year campaign of abuse says system failed her

Danielle MacDonald’s estranged husband was convicted of rape and attempted murder following years of physical abuse and coercive control

Prior to his conviction, his estranged wife Danielle, who waived her right to anonymity, told STV News that MacDonald was a “disgusting beast”.

“He doesn’t deserve a name, he’s just scum of the earth,” she told STV News.

“Not for what he did to me, but for what he’s done to children – I can protect myself, these are children.”

The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123. You can also speak to Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985, who offer free and tailored support. In an emergency, always dial 999 if within the United Kingdom.