Man who raped and attempted to murder partner is jailed for 12 years

The court heard how, between October 2010 and December 2023, MacDonald had left bruises on Danielle on numerous occasions.

These were seen by her mother, her close friend and people who she worked with.

The abusive behaviour culminated on 18 December 2023 when MacDonald slapped, punched and kicked Danielle, dropped a weight on her and strangled her in an attempted murder bid.

Police were called to the house and MacDonald was physically pulled off his partner by a police officer.

Danielle was taken to A&E with extensive injuries, including bone fractures on her upper body.

The court heard how a surgeon, who gave evidence to the jury in the trial, said the injuries were typical of those seen in “high-energy road traffic accidents”.

Sentencing, judge Thomas Welsh KC said: “The fractures alone show the extent of the force you used, on that occasion, in your vicious and sustained attack against your then partner.”