LIVINGSTON MAN CALLUM MCDONALD ACCUSED OF BRUTAL ASSAULT IN CO ANTRIM

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the local community, Callum McDonald, a man residing in Livingston, has been accused of a violent assault against his girlfriend at their shared residence in County Antrim. The High Court heard detailed accounts of the alleged attack, which involved severe physical violence and intimidation.

According to prosecutors, the incident took place on October 26 of this year, when police responded to a call to the property. They found the woman with visible facial injuries, prompting her to recount a harrowing experience. She claimed that McDonald had used his right hand to squeeze her throat, making it difficult for her to breathe. Despite her efforts to fight back, McDonald allegedly escalated the assault by lifting a walking stick and continuing to choke her. He then reportedly shouted threats to kill her and used the stick to strike her, causing injuries that required stitches on her lip. During the same incident, McDonald is also accused of damaging household items, including a television and picture frames.

The woman further disclosed that she had endured an earlier assault in August, where she was punched approximately twelve times in the stomach, leaving bruises that had since faded. These repeated acts of violence have raised serious concerns about her safety and well-being.

McDonald, aged 33, originally from Scotland but currently residing at Ravarnet Walk in Lisburn, faces multiple charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, non-fatal strangulation, and criminal damage. His legal team requested bail, arguing that he should be released to return to Scotland. However, the prosecution opposed this, citing concerns over his potential risk to other women.

During the hearing, Judge Mr. Justice Humphreys refused bail, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the risk posed by McDonald. The judge stated, “While it may provide a degree of comfort and protection for the complainant in this case, it’s not going to provide much comfort to any Scottish females who may enter a relationship with this man.” The court was also informed that McDonald had previously been involved in a criminal case in Edinburgh, where he was convicted of raping a woman at a house-warming party in 2011. The incident occurred when McDonald, then 21, forcibly attempted to remove the woman’s trousers while she was asleep on a sofa. Despite denying the rape, a jury found him guilty unanimously, and he was remanded in custody pending sentencing.

Despite his efforts to secure release, the court maintained that the allegations and his criminal history warranted continued detention. McDonald’s case remains ongoing as he awaits further legal proceedings, with the court emphasizing the importance of safeguarding potential victims from further harm.