Man who tracked victim and threatened another with gun jailed

A man has been sentenced to ten years in prison after a 23-year campaign of controlling, violent and sexual abuse directed towards three women.

George McDonald targeted his victims across a number of locations in Argyll and Bute between 2000 and 2022.

The 43-year-old knocked his first victim over the head with a piece of wood before threatening her with a gun.

McDonald struggled with the same woman outside a pub before opening the bonnet of her car and tearing out wires from the engine, disabling the vehicle.

The second woman was verbally and physically abused by the 43-year-old on a number of occasions, including on one occasion when she was left without transport.

McDonald tracked the movements of his third victim, broke her phone, read her messages and coerced her to share her social media accounts.

He also physically beat the woman and threatened to kill her and her parents.

The man 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, McDonald 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.

Scotland’s procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offending, Katrina Parkes said: “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. 

“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 added: “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.”