‘Boor’ jailed for violent assaults on four women

DunDee: Attacks took place across the city, including one on a pregnant partner

A “drunken boor” who inflicted horrific violence on a string of women in Dundee was given one of the longest sentences ever handed out in Scotland’s sheriff courts yesterday.

Derek McLaren was given a 10-year extended sentence – five years in jail and five on licence once he is released – the maximum possible term in the sheriff court.

McLaren – who has a string of previous domestic abuse convictions – targeted four women between June 1999 and August last year.

The assaults took place at various addresses in Dundee including Dudhope Street, Nelson Street, Mary Slessor Square, Victoria Street and The Spruces.

In one series of horrific attacks he pinned down his then-pregnant girlfriend and repeatedly punched her on the head. She later miscarried.

McLaren, 50, a prisoner at HMP Perth, pleaded guilty on indictment to four charges of assault to injury.

Defence solicitor Kevin Hampton said: “The social worker preparing the reports on him has formed the view that he is trying to shift responsibility for these offences.

“It is his position that he has very little recollection of these offences due to alcohol.

“He accepts it is his responsibility and he was the one who committed these offences.”

Sheriff Alastair Brown imposed a 10-year extended sentence on McLaren – five years in prison and five on licence upon his release.

He said: “The drunken boor of a man assaulting his female partner is not just a figure in a cartoon – but has in the past and continues today to be an horrific reality for many women. “It will not be tolerated. “Accordingly I impose an extended sentence of 10 years.”

McLaren claimed he had little recollection of the assaults.