JAMES DONALDSON FROM DUNDEE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL AND VIOLENT CRIMES IN ARBROATH AND DUNDEE

A man responsible for a series of heinous sexual assaults and violent acts has been sentenced to nine years in prison. James Donaldson, aged 36, from the City of Dundee, was convicted of subjecting multiple women to degrading and invasive examinations, alongside a pattern of physical violence, threats, and controlling behavior. His crimes spanned several years, with victims primarily being single mothers who endured not only sexual abuse but also emotional and physical torment.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, a judge delivered a stern message about the severity of Donaldson’s conduct. The judge, Lord Uist, described Donaldson as a father of five and emphasized the abhorrence of his actions towards women. He stated, "Your conduct towards these women was abhorrent," making it clear that such behavior is utterly unacceptable in society.

Lord Uist highlighted that Donaldson is among a troubling number of men recently convicted in the High Court for similar offenses involving the sexual and physical maltreatment of women. The court was informed that Donaldson’s history includes a series of previous convictions, notably nine counts of assault, which underscored a pattern of violent behavior.

Donaldson, who was formerly residing on Haldane Crescent in Dundee, was found guilty of raping two women at different addresses—one in Arbroath, Angus, and another in Dundee—over a period stretching from 2012 to 2017. In addition to the rape charges, he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and other related attacks on the same victims. Despite denying the allegations during the trial, Donaldson admitted to additional charges of breach of the peace, stalking, and abusive conduct.

He was acquitted of three other rape charges and an allegation involving sexual coercion, which involved forcing one victim to participate in sex with two other men. The court heard that Donaldson’s actions were characterized by a disturbing and bizarre method of checking on women, often driven by jealousy, as described by the prosecution.

Testimonies from victims painted a grim picture of Donaldson’s violent and controlling nature. One woman, aged 42, recounted how he would become enraged, shouting, spitting, and resorting to violence. She described how he would destroy her home if she refused his sexual advances, and how his anger intensified with alcohol consumption. She detailed how he would accuse her of infidelity, prevent her from going out alone, and frequently spit in her face. Despite her pleas for him to stop during sexual encounters, he would persist, causing her to cry and undergo surgery as a result of the trauma.

Lord Uist confirmed that Donaldson would be placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely following his sentencing, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. The judge also addressed the jury, acknowledging the disturbing nature of the evidence presented, and remarked on the increasing number of such cases reaching the High Court.

In closing, advocate depute Richard Goddard QC described Donaldson’s behavior as bizarre and degrading, noting that his methods of controlling and checking on women were particularly disturbing. The court’s proceedings underscored the serious and widespread issue of violence and sexual abuse against women, with Donaldson’s case serving as a stark reminder of the need for justice and protection for victims.