STALKER COMIC’S PRISON LETTER TO ME IS A SICK JOKE
Victim’s torment over inmate’s note
An abuse victim was left traumatised when her attacker penned a letter to her from jail pleading his innocence over violent acts against other women.
Shamed John McDade – who won Virgin’s stand-up comic of the year in 2014 – contacted ex- girlfriend Gillian McTominay months after he was locked up for multiple attacks.
He insisted he was “not violent” to two of his victims – despite having been reported as a suspect for 14 domestic incidents by five victims between 2003 and 2011.
In his letter to Gillian, whom he dated for nearly two years, McDade wrote: “I appreciate that you will believe what you want to believe but I was not violent to (name of his two other victims.)
“Now, with us, we were both physical to each other and I am truly sorry for my part. The reason I am in prison is not because I am a crazed monster but because my attitude and behaviour has been atrocious.”
McDade, of Coatbridge, also bragged about winning awards as a comedian and blamed his time in the spotlight for making him abusive. He added: “Doing stand-up made me worse – I was good and winning awards and my ego grew.”
In April last year McDade, 38, was jailed for four years and described as a “serious danger to women” after being convicted of domesticestic abuse and stalking.
Gil l ian, 31, spoke about her domestic abuse hell amid fears McDade will soon be released on parole.
The chef said: “I was so shocked when I received the letter. I had d that sick feeling of dread d in my stomach when I realised it was from him. m.
“Even though he was as attempting to apologise, e, the overall tone was one ne of him trying to make me feel sorry for him. I definitely feel he was t r y ing to manipulate me and couldn’t believe he denied abuse against other women.
“When I got with him, I was only 18 so he maybe thinks I’m still naive and that he can prey on that side of my personality. I’m fearful for any girl that crosses his path when he gets out of jail – I have no shadow of a doubt that he’ll abuse again and that it could be worse this time.” Airdrie Sheriff Court heard how McDade – who was convicted of abusing three of his victims in 2013 – preyed on women then “slowly and insidiinsidiously” controlled them. He was jailed for six chargcharges and given an additadditional three months for breakingbr bail terms. LaLast month McDade, whowhose stage name was JD BrBrown, was sentenced to a further 12 months after admitting stalking anoanother ex from jail. BBetween March and OcOctober 2019 he reprepeatedly contacted the ex and also asked anoanother woman to urge her to contact him. Asked about outgoing mail, a Scottish Prison Service spokesman said: “If someone is in receipt from somebody in custody and does not wish to receive correspondence, they should notify us. We will ensure the individual is told not to make further contact.”