Serial domestic abuser Mark Keel who murdered partner Maxine Clark in brutal attack jailed

A convicted domestic abuser has been jailed for life after admitting that he brutally murdered his partner.

Mark Keel, 33, killed Maxine Clark at her home in Riddrie in Glasgow, leaving her with more than 50 injuries.

The judge described the “cowardly and evil” killing as the “actions of a brute”, as he jailed Keel on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old mum had already suffered at Keel’s violence prior to her death, including a neighbour seeing her with a black eye.

Keel pleaded guilty to a murder charge last month, and he will be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday.

Explainer

Why was serial domestic abuser allowed to leave jail to murder mum-of-four?

Mark Keel receives life sentence for the ‘cowardly and evil’ murder of Maxine Clark in a case that highlights multiple safety failures.

Lord Mulholland said he had been responsible for a “savage beating” of Ms Clark. He jailed Keel for a minimum of 22 years.

Prior to getting into a relationship with Ms Clark, Keel had previously been made the subject of strict non-harassment orders banning him from approaching or contacting three former partners.

This also included him being jailed in June 2022 for domestic violence.

In 2023, he was also told to attend the Caledonian System – a project for men guilty of such abuse – with Keel being deemed “a high-risk offender”.

But his attendance was described as “sporadic”.

He also went on to flout a court-imposed community payback order. In January 2024, Keel was instead put on 12-month supervision as well as an 18-week curfew.

At the time of the killing, Keel and mum-of-four Ms Clark had been in a relationship for 18 months.

He had recently moved into her home in Riddrie.

Maxine had once been described as “healthy, happy and outgoing”.

However, she had told others of physical violence being inflicted on her by Keel.

Ms Clark had been seen with black eyes as well as an injury to her jaw. She also had “grab marks” around her neck.

She admitted to a neighbour that Keel had punched her, but she was scared to report him for fear of repercussions.

Prosecutor David Dickson said: “Family and friends warned her they felt Keel posed a threat to her.”

In the hours before the murder, Keel called his own mum asking to get picked up, claiming he was “leaving” Ms Clark.

They went to his father’s home in the Southside of Glasgow before he later got a taxi back to Ms Clark’s house.

He was described as “drunk” and Ms Clark was in bed when he got there.

Mr Dickson said it was at the property that the fatal attack occurred.

A child also staying at the house got up the next morning to find Ms Clark still in the bed with Keel wrapped in a blanket sitting beside her.

Mr Dickson said: “She appeared to have fresh injuries to her face and her breathing was described as laboured.”

Ms Clark was rolled onto her side. The child left to play with friends, but returned every hour to see how she was.

Advocate depute Mr Dickson told the court: “Keel said he thought she was having an allergic reaction and that there was no need to call an ambulance.”

At around 6pm, G4S security staff arrived to fit an electronic tag on Keel due to the curfew imposed on him weeks earlier.

But he steered them away, claiming he had just woken up.

Keel instead went on to dial 999, claiming Ms Clark’s tongue was swollen and that he had not seen her awake that day.

Emergency crews arrived to find her still lying on the blood-stained bed, partially covered with a duvet.

It was found she was already dead.

Mr Dickson said Ms Clark had 51 separate injuries, including brain damage, significant bruising, fractures, and wounds.

These were likely caused by punches, kicks, and being stamped upon. The imprint of the soles of Keel’s shoes were found on her leg such was the force.

The hearing was told Ms Clark was the only child of her grieving parents.

Lord Mulholland told him: “You gave this lady a savage beating. You are a serial domestic abuser.”

Help and support is available now if you need it.

The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123, email at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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.