A violent monster who battered and raped two women and attempted to murder one of them by holding her head under water – as well as assaulting three children and kicking and punching three dogs – has been jailed for 12 years.
Malcolm Leask, 35, perpetrated a catalogue of “violence and abuse of children, women and animals” at addresses in Orkney and Clackmannanshire, a jury heard.
He was convicted on Wednesday, April 26, after a trial at the High Court in Stirling and sentenced at Edinburgh High Court on Wednesday.
Police have praised the courage of his victims in coming forward.
Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: “Malcolm Leask’s behaviour was appalling, he inflicted pain and misery upon his victims but he will now face the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank everyone who came forward vital with information, making sure he was held accountable for his actions, and ultimately convicted.”
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One victim told the trial Leask had raped her repeatedly, assaulted her while she was asleep, pinned her by the throat, kneed her in the groin, punched her in the stomach and locked her in a house.
He also choked her and held her head under water in the bath until she passed out, pushed her over on the stairs while she was holding a young child, and kneed her low in the stomach while she was pregnant causing “searing pain”.
It was also heard that Leask lifted a toddler clean off the ground and threw her onto a chair, and subjected a dog to repeated brutality, punching and kicking the animal on its head and body, kneeling on its stomach, deliberately blowing smoke in its face, putting his hands round its throat and choking it.
Another woman told the jury Leask had subjected her to “just pure nastiness”, violence and sexual assault.
The jury heard he also attacked and injured a child and punched and kicked a dog in the head and side, breaking one of his ribs.
He also attacked a puppy, punching him on the head and ribs and “stamping” on his head.
After four days of evidence, a jury of 11 men and four women took almost two days to find Leask, of Stromness, Orkney, guilty of six charges of assault, six of rape, one of attempted murder, one of breach of the peace, two of threatening and abusive behaviour, and three of animal cruelty.
Leask, now married, denied all the charges.
Speaking after Leask was jailed, Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: “I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that all reports of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland and victims will be supported throughout.
“I would like to thank the investigative team and our partners for all their hard work on this case.”
Should you wish to report a sexual crime to Police Scotland, then please do so by contacting officers on 101, or by making an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
