MAN REPEATEDLY PUNCHED AND SEIZED WOMEN BY THE NECK
A woman was put in life-threatening danger when her abusive partner smothered her with a pillow, while he also inflicted four years of terror upon another woman even after their separation.Douglas Leslie, who resides on Hebenton Road in Elgin, was convicted by a jury at Inverness Sheriff Court after denying allegations of domestic abuse against both women.
The 52-year-old was sentenced to 32 months in prison by Sheriff Sara Matheson, who stated that a custodial sentence was necessary due to the severity of the crimes.
During the trial, it was revealed that Leslie had physically assaulted both women by grabbing their necks and repeatedly punching them out of rage.
One victim was able to present previously unseen footage recorded on her mobile phone showing an attack, which the sheriff permitted to be exhibited to the jury.
Leslie was convicted of assaulting his former wife inside their residence near Inverness, where he grabbed her by the neck, shouted in her face, and shook her forcefully, causing injury.
His behavior was characterized as aggressive, and he also damaged her belongings, criticized her appearance, and made derogatory remarks.
Furthermore, Leslie broke items, criticized her dress and makeup choices, dictated meal times, and even physically woke her by punching or kicking her.
He exerted control over her television viewing and the use of her car.
He recorded her phone calls and, even after their divorce, continued to manipulate her finances.
Another charge involved a second woman from Dingwall, with whom he lived until February 2023.
He was found guilty of shouting, swearing at her, insulting her, smashing items, spraying beer on her, and showing her images of other women.
The most serious incident involved him pushing or throwing her onto a bed and placing a pillow over her face, threatening her life.
The court acknowledged the extensive pattern of abuse, leading to the decision to imprison Leslie for his actions.
