Tree Surgeon Sentenced for 16 Years of Domestic Abuse and Violence

A tree surgeon named Mark McLeod, aged 39, who targeted four former partners during a prolonged 16-year campaign of domestic abuse has been sentenced to 13 years and nine months in prison. McLeod was previously convicted in Edinburgh of 14 charges, which included repeated rape and assault. The sentencing judge, Lord Summers, remarked that McLeod exhibited a "very poor attitude to women". Throughout the offences, which took place between 1997 and 2013 in Dundee and the Angus area, McLeod demonstrated a pattern of violent and controlling behavior, also kicking and hitting dogs. McLeod, who has a history of violent offences, will also be under supervision for four additional years upon his release and has been placed on the sex offenders register. Lord Summers highlighted McLeod's attitude towards women, stating that the court was "not inclined to adopt a benevolent or forgiving view". Police Scotland's Det Insp Muriel Fuller described McLeod as a "violent and controlling individual" and emphasized that he was "clearly dangerous". The court proceedings took place at the High Court in Glasgow, where McLeod was also depicted as a "controlling individual". The case underscores the severity of his actions and the threat he posed, with authorities keen on highlighting his dangerous nature.