MAN WHO REPEATEDLY STRANGLED WOMEN DURING CAMPAIGN OF ABUSE JAILED
A man responsible for a series of violent assaults that involved strangulation and sexual offenses has been sentenced to prison.Andrew McLaughlin, a 42-year-old resident of Banknock, was convicted on seven charges, including multiple counts of rape, after a trial held at the High Court in Stirling.
The prosecution presented testimony from both women, recounting their initial lack of suspicion towards him when they first encountered him.
However, the jury was informed that he soon began to manipulate, threaten, and control them through abusive behaviors.
His methods included accusing the women of infidelity, taking control over their mobile devices, restricting their access to social media, and isolating them from friends and family.
McLaughlin also used threats to harm himself to emotionally manipulate the women.
The abuse escalated to violence, notably involving repeated non-fatal strangulation, where he would grab the women by the neck, making it difficult for them to breathe.
On one occasion, he used a scuba tank mouthpiece to threaten one woman with death if she inhaled too much oxygen.
He was also convicted of serious sexual crimes committed against both women, with incidents occurring at various locations in Falkirk and elsewhere from 2019 to 2023.
On 11 June 2026, the High Court in Edinburgh sentenced McLaughlin to an extended term of 14 years, with 11 of those years to be served in prison.
His name has been permanently added to the sex offenders register, and non-harassment orders have been issued.
Faye Cook, the Procurator Fiscal responsible for high court sexual offenses, commented: "Andrew McLaughlin engaged in an extended pattern of controlling, violent, and sexual abuse against two women.
His repeated use of non-fatal strangulation is a particularly hazardous form of violence, with a high potential for causing serious injury or death.
This abuse left both women fearing for their lives and suffered substantial harm."
