Fife man who murdered partner with a tyre iron handed life in prison
Mark Campbell was sentenced to a minimum of 27 years behind bars
Last updated 20th Jul 2023
A Fife man who murdered his partner with a tyre iron has been handed life in prison with a minimum of 27 years at Edinburgh’s High Court.
Mark Campbell, who’s 37 years-old, was found guilty of murdering his partner Jane Fitzpatrick by striking her repeatedly over the head and body with a heavy metal lever.
A jury heard that Ms Fitzpatrick was controlled, threatened and abused by Campbell during the course of their relationship.
On 7 August 2021, she was admitted to Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, for treatment to a pre-existing head injury but left with Campbell against medical advice.
They went together to a secluded yard in Glenrothes where Campbell tried to source drugs.
While there, he carried out the fatal assault on his partner then attempted to avoid detection by driving off with her body.
Mr Campbell had also been convicted of a further 13 charges – 12 of them for assault and rape involving six other women in a campaign of offending which began in 2003.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, his name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Scotland Procurator Fiscal for Homicide, David Green, said Campbell was a serial offender who presented a danger to women he encountered.
He said: “Mark Campbell’s behaviour towards women over the course of nearly 20 years has been contemptible.
“Jane Fitzpatrick’s life was controlled by him and ultimately ended by his violence. Her family and friends are left to try and cope with their terrible loss.
“I commend the brave women who came forward to give evidence against this man. Their courage helped COPFS prosecutors bring Campbell to justice.
“I would urge any victim of violence and abuse, or anyone who witnesses such offending, to come forward, report it and seek help.
“Our thoughts are now with those women who spoke out against Campbell, and with the loved ones of Jane Fitzpatrick.”