FacebookA woman was “left living in fear” amid a campaign of “horrific” abuse carried out by a man, who raped and attempted to murder her.
David MacDonald’s string of violent and sexual crimes took place over a 15 year period at numerous locations, including during a wedding held at Hibernian’s Easter Road stadium.
At the High Court of Edinburgh on Monday, the 42-year-old was found guilty of repeatedly beating the woman until she lost consciousness, smashing her head into a lamppost and choking her.
SuppliedOn one occasion, MacDonald lunged at the woman with a knife and struck her in the arm, resulting in permanent disfigurement.
While attending an event at Easter Road on July 5, 2014, the woman was struck, spat on and dragged to the ground by MacDonald.
He tried to punch and headbutt other people in attendance during the struggle.
In videos seen by STV News, the man can be seen trying to force his way into a home while shouting derogatory names at the woman.
SuppliedThe convicted abuser raped the woman several times, including while she slept.
As well as mentally and physically abusing the woman, MacDonald stole her bank cards, monitored her mobile phone usage and isolated her from loved ones.
The violence culminated on December 18, 2023, when MacDonald pulled the woman onto a sofa, dropped a weight on her body and attempted to strangle her to death.
The survivor told STV News: “It has impacted us massively.
“The abuse came to a head with the attempted murder. I was forced to flee my home because of him.
Facebook“I still find going outside really hard, I’m nervous and anxious that something might happen to me if I leave the house.
“I really don’t know if it will get better.
“The injuries I’ve suffered have robbed me of the job I loved and a lot of my life. The mental damage of it is worse because I lived in fear of him. “
MacDonald forced boy to eat from dog bowl and held knife to throat
The 41-year-old was also convicted of violently attacking three children. One boy was encouraged to self-harm and forced to eat his dinner from a dog bowl.
He also held a knife to the neck of the same boy and threatened to kill him.
On the same day that MacDonald attempted to kill the woman, he pushed a young girl and caused her head to hit a door frame.
In total, he was convicted of 14 offences and is due to be sentenced on July 15.
FacebookThe woman said that “she burst into tears” following the verdict.
“For years, I have been called a liar constantly,” she explained.
“The worst thing about being called a liar is that my family was still going through horrific abuse.
“Finally, to be believed by detectives and the court is a massive thing. The police were outstanding.
“They travelled as far as Ireland to interview witnesses on my behalf. I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that he has been found guilty.”
The woman credits her network of close friends and family for supporting her as MacDonald appeared in court.
She hopes that all of the people terrorised by the 41-year-old can have “time to heal”.
The woman said: “I don’t think there is ever going to be closure.
“This has been the most difficult thing I have ever been through in my life.
“He alienated me from everyone for years and made me feel worthless. Now we are able to support each other as a family.”
The survivor believes that her story can encourage others currently facing physical and mental abuse to come forward to get justice.
“Don’t be silenced, don’t be scared,” she said.
“There is always help there. Just don’t be silenced it is not worth it because someone will believe you.”
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.
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