MALCOLM LEASK'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN ORKNEY AND CLACKMANNANSHIRE LEAD TO 12-YEAR SENTENCE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Orkney and Clackmannanshire, Malcolm Leask, a man with a long history of violent and abusive behavior, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes spanning over a decade. The court heard that Leask, who previously resided in Stromness, Orkney, engaged in a sustained campaign of violence, sexual assault, and cruelty directed at women, children, and animals.

Leask, aged 35, was convicted on 19 charges after a comprehensive trial, despite his persistent denial of the allegations. Among the most disturbing offenses were two counts of rape, one of which involved an attempt to murder a victim by holding her head underwater in an apparent effort to drown her. The court was told that Leask exploited his physical size—once weighing 31 stone, earning him the nickname 'Beefy'—to overpower and pin down one of his victims during the assaults.

The judge, Lord Scott, delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing the severity of Leask’s conduct. He stated, “Taken together, these acts reflect a serious, violent, and abusive course of conduct.” The judge also highlighted that Leask showed no remorse and lacked insight into the profound harm he had caused, which influenced the length and nature of the sentence. Upon release, Leask will be subject to eight years of supervised probation, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his behavior.

Leask’s criminal record includes convictions for six assault offenses, six counts of rape, one attempted murder, threats and abusive behavior, breach of the peace, and cruelty to animals. These crimes were committed at various addresses across Orkney and Clackmannanshire between 2008 and 2019, illustrating a pattern of violent and predatory behavior over an extended period.

Testimonies during the trial painted a disturbing picture of Leask’s brutality. One woman recounted that she was repeatedly raped by him and subjected to physical violence, including punches, knee strikes, and choking. She also described how Leask lifted her toddler daughter and threw her onto a chair, and how he viciously assaulted their family Labrador, punching, kicking, and choking the animal.

A second woman described her ordeal as involving “pure nastiness,” with Leask shouting and swearing at her young daughter, chasing and grabbing her son, and attacking their pets—a border collie and a German shepherd puppy—with violent force. The court was told that Leask’s actions demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety and well-being of those around him.

Throughout the sentencing proceedings, Leask, who followed the proceedings via video link from prison, was informed that he would be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to the community.