A man who carried out a decade-long campaign of violence against women, children and animals has been jailed for 12 years.

Malcolm Leask, 35, raped two women and attempted to murder one of his victims by holding her head under water.

The offences, which included assaulting children and animal cruelty, occurred in Clackmannanshire and Orkney between 2008 and 2019.

Leask denied all charges but was convicted at the High Court in Stirling in April and sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

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.”

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The officer thanked all those who came forward with information that led to Leask’s conviction.

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DI Patullo added: “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.”

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