MY HUSBAND FILMED SEXUAL ASSAULT ON ME BUT POLICE COULDN’T SEE ANY CRIMINALITY’: DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIM WAIVES RIGHT TO ANONYMITY TO CALL OUT AUTHORITIES
A violent and abusive man from Edinburgh, David MacDonald, aged 42, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious crimes, including sexual assault, rape, serious physical assault, coercive control, and attempted murder.The sentencing took place at the High Court in Edinburgh, where Judge Welsh KC handed down an extended sentence of 16 years, with 12 years to be served in custody and an additional four-year extension during which MacDonald will be monitored and remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Over a period of more than 13 years, MacDonald subjected his wife, Danielle, to a campaign of violence, sexual assault, and psychological torment.
His crimes included rapes committed between 2012 and 2019, as well as attempts to kill her through strangulation and burning cigarettes on her body.
Danielle, who has chosen to waive her right to anonymity, described how MacDonald used violence, emotional degradation, and psychological torture to dominate her.
She recounted specific incidents, including moments when she was incapacitated and forced into sex, and a disturbing event where he made a young boy eat from a dog bowl, held a knife to his throat, and threatened to kill him.
In addition to his abuse of Danielle, MacDonald repeatedly threatened and assaulted three children, further demonstrating his violent tendencies.
His criminal conduct also involved exploiting her financially, demanding money earned from her job as a dental nurse to fund his drug habit, which sometimes cost between £75 and £100 daily.
The case has highlighted significant safeguarding failures by authorities.
Danielle reported that police dismissed footage of a sexual assault on her—when she was under the influence of drugs—by claiming there was no evidence of criminal activity.
She presented police with disturbing footage in 2017, believing it would prompt action, but was met with disbelief.
Police believed MacDonald’s denial that the sexual assault was non-consensual ‘kink’ behaviour, claiming she liked it when she was drunk and unconscious, and refused to investigate further.
Danielle expressed her shock at the police’s response, stating: “They said they couldn’t get involved in a ‘husband and wife dispute,’ then refused to investigate further, leaving me to suffer years more of horror before finally escaping.” Her ordeal began shortly before their wedding, with MacDonald physically assaulting her while intoxicated.
Throughout their marriage, he exploited her financially, demanding money from her to fund his drug habit.
Her family, fearing MacDonald’s violent tendencies, distanced themselves, unable to bear witness to her suffering.
Following his conviction last month, police and social services are now under scrutiny.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell faces questions from parliament regarding the handling of the case, alongside calls for an independent review of the safeguarding failures.
MacDonald’s sentencing reflects the severity of his crimes and the prolonged period over which his abuse occurred, marking a significant step in justice for his victims.
