A domestic abuse “demon” who trapped two ex-girlfriends in a horrific and terrifying cycle of violence has been caged for four years.
Kevin McLaren, a former groundskeeper at a Perthshire estate, was ordered to stay away from his victims for the rest of his life.
Perth Sheriff Court heard during one outburst he threw his pregnant partner’s cat against a wall and thrust her face into a soiled litter tray, while she begged with him to stop and think about her unborn child.
Prosecutors said the 38-year-old became “possessed” when he drank alcohol.
He even gave a name – Bob – to his abusive persona.
McLaren, of Grampian Court, Crieff, was found guilty of eight assaults against two women, dating back to 2005.
He was also convicted of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour against one of his victims.
Sheriff William Wood said his victims were “left with long-lasting psychological scars from which they will never fully recover”.
McLaren was described as “unremorseful and unrepentant”.
He told the sheriff as he was led downstairs: “There was a lot of lies there as well, sir. Trust me on that.”
‘Manipulation and control’
McLaren, who has a history of domestic abuse, was jailed for four years as part of an extended sentence.
He will spend a further three years on licence when he is released.
In an unusual move, the sheriff issued a lifetime non-harassment order, banning him from contacting either of his victims in any way.
“It is notable that in relation to each of the complainers, you were significantly older and more physically robust than they were,” Sheriff Wood told McLaren.
“Both complainers gave clear, credible and reliable evidence of how you used violence towards them as a means of manipulation and control within the relationships.
“They told how their routine ill-treatment extended to their pets, no doubt also as a form of control.”
He said: “Anyone who saw them give evidence could not have been left unmoved by the spirit of their resolution to relive their experiences at your hands in the public forum of a courtroom.”
Eight assaults
The jury heard McLaren attacked his first victim at their flat in Perth’s Cow Vennel in 2005.
He knew she was pregnant when he dragged her by the hair and repeatedly struck her head against a wall and a radiator, before kicking her to the danger of her life.
The sheriff said: “She pleaded with you and begged you to stop for the safety of her unborn child but clearly this fell on deaf ears.”
In another attack, he tried to rip off her fingernails with his teeth.
His second victim was attacked at their home on the Lawers Estate, near Comrie.
She told jurors how she blacked out on Christmas Day 2008, after McLaren swung her by her clothes and struck her head off a wall because he thought she was tampering with his Playstation.
He also struck her pet Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a metal chain and told her it should be put down.
“With your conduct, you kept these woman in a profound state of fear, trepidation and subjugation, to such an extent that they each feared ending the relationship for apprehension of what you might do to them as a result,” said Sheriff Wood.
“It’s clear that your conduct towards them has been cowardly and despicable.”
Move to protect the public
The court heard McLaren had never accepted any responsibility for his crimes and had not shown any remorse.
“The maintenance of your innocence only serves to underline how little thought you have given to your victims and you continue to be unremorseful and unrepentant,” said the sheriff.
“Given the nature, number and seriousness of these offences I am satisfied that only a significant custodial sentence is appropriate.”
He added: “I am concerned the public is not protected from the threat of serious harm from you when you are ultimately released.”
Evil Bob
Solicitor David Holmes, defending, asked the sheriff to defer sentence for a psychological report after a social work assessment revealed a childhood trauma which led to his client’s alcohol misuse.
He also submitted a letter of support from one of McLaren’s previous girlfriends and her new partner.
The trial heard that McLaren’s drunken persona was known as “Bob,” echoing the name of the evil possessive spirit in iconic TV drama Twin Peaks.
McLaren tried but failed to convince the jury he was the victim and had been trying to protect himself from his partners’ attacks.
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