JOHN DONNELLY STRATHAVEN DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE SHOCKS SCOTLAND

John Donnelly, a funeral director operating his business in East Kilbride, became the focus of a serious criminal case following his conviction for a brutal assault on his wife within their family home located in Strathaven. The incident, which took place in January of the previous year, involved Donnelly physically attacking his wife, Keida MacKenzie, by striking her multiple times on the head and body. The assault was severe enough to cause her to fall against furniture, highlighting the violent nature of the attack and the danger she faced within her own home.

Initially, Donnelly was sentenced in October, but the punishment was met with widespread criticism for being excessively lenient. The presiding sheriff, Moira MacKenzie, issued a formal admonishment rather than a more stringent sentence, a decision that many, including the victim, felt was inadequate given the gravity of the assault. Keida MacKenzie publicly expressed her disappointment, stating that she hoped her successful appeal against the initial sentence would serve as a catalyst for other victims to challenge perceived leniency in domestic violence cases and to seek justice more effectively.

Following the appeal, a panel of three sheriffs at Edinburgh’s appeal court reviewed the case and determined that the original admonishment was indeed too lenient. As a result, they imposed a community payback order requiring Donnelly to undergo 18 months of supervision. In addition, he was mandated to complete 160 hours of unpaid work, emphasizing the court’s intent to impose a more appropriate punishment for his actions. The court also issued a non-harassment order, prohibiting Donnelly from contacting or approaching his ex-wife for a period of two years, despite his continued denial of guilt throughout the proceedings.

Keida MacKenzie described the initial sentence as a “kick in the teeth,” underscoring the emotional and psychological toll she endured during the lengthy court process, which spanned over three years. The case has garnered significant media attention across Scotland, prompting discussions about the adequacy of sentencing for domestic violence offenders and the need for justice systems to deliver more appropriate punishments. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service publicly acknowledged the decision of the appeal court, signaling a shift towards stricter accountability in domestic abuse cases. This case has become a notable example of the ongoing debate about how the justice system handles domestic violence, with many calling for reforms to ensure victims receive the protection and justice they deserve.