Brutal thug who stalked victim from behind bars is jailed for 30 months

BRUTAL THUG WHO STALKED VICTIM FROM BEHIND BARS IS JAILED FOR 30 MONTHS

A victim support charity has condemned the decision of appeal court judges to reduce the jail sentence of Paul McLean, a violent stalker, stating that it 'compounds victim’s suffering.' McLean was initially sentenced to 30 months in prison by Sheriff Fiona Tait for brutally assaulting his partner Lynn Suttie in 2013, which left her with a shattered jaw.

Despite a court order banning him from contacting her, he continued to stalk her from behind bars by making dozens of phone calls and writing letters demanding photographs.

When released early, he appeared at her home in Kinross.

The original sentence was based on serious offenses, including breach of a non-harassment order, and was considered appropriate by the sheriff.

However, lawyers for McLean appealed, and the Court of Criminal Appeals in Edinburgh successfully reduced his sentence to 18 months after Lord Carloway described Sheriff Tait’s sentence as 'excessive' and noted the contacts were of a 'conciliatory tone.' The non-harassment order remains in place.

A victim support coordinator expressed disappointment, highlighting the harm caused by stalking and harassment.

During his time in Perth prison, McLean made around 60-70 calls to Lynn Suttie, leaving messages of an affectionate nature, and sent seven letters, including one suggesting she had exaggerated her assault allegations.

He attacked her in April 2013 after a dispute over his amphetamine abuse, breaking her jaw in two places during a single punch.

The relationship ended shortly afterward.