Man jailed over catalogue of domestic abuse in Tayside

An Angus man has been jailed for nine years over a series of physical and sexual abuse against seven women.

Mark Duthie was found guilty after trial on 28 charges– including rape, assault and abduction - arising out of his relationship with the victims.

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, judge Lord Boyd of Duncansby handed the 33-year-old an extended sentence of 11 years, including nine years in custody.

In his statement later released online, he said: “It is a catalogue of physical and sexual assault, in short domestic abuse of a serious nature.

“I saw each of your victims give evidence and I have read victim statements from two of them.

“It is quite evident that each one of them has experienced long-lasting emotional and psychological trauma which is disproportionate to the immediate physical effects.

“You have no conception of the harm that you inflicted on these women. You accept no blame and show little remorse.”

Police Scotland said Duthie committed the offences in the Tayside area between 2003 and 2018.

In March 2018, an investigation was opened by the force's domestic abuse task force, where his violent behaviour was uncovered.

Detective Sergeant Gordon Patullo said in a statement: “It is clear that Duthie is an extremely violent and dangerous male who will justly face the consequences of his appalling acts of violence and sexual abuse.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise his victims for their bravery in facing the trauma they've had to live with and coming forward.

“I hope that this sentencing today provides them with some closure and goes some way to giving other victims of domestic abuse the courage to speak out.

“This conviction should send out a clear message that domestic abuse crimes will be robustly investigated by Police Scotland and they have no place in our society.”

The court was told Duthie has physical and mental health issues, and had an unhappy and disruptive childhood which “no doubt” contributed to his “present situation”.

It was also heard he attributes many of his problems to the consumption of alcohol, according to the judge's statement.

Duthie's sentence was backdated to February 19.

Hear all the latest news from across Tayside, Perthshire and Angus on Tay FM. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.