A control freak domestic abuser described by a sheriff as a “potential source of danger” to any woman he becomes involved with has been jailed for 35 months.
Tyre fitter Kevin McCallum admitted nine charges relating to offences against five of his girlfriends over an eight-year period, including verbal and physical assaults, following them to their work and on nights out, and bombarding them with phone and text messages.
In the worst pattern of assaults, he left dents in a wall after banging his partner’s head against it, smashed it off an electric box and bit her on the eye socket and arm.
The 29-year-old whose record already includes wilful fireraising and road traffic offences, as well as a string of domestic convictions became the focus of a special investigation after being identified as a high-risk offender by experts and police.
McCallum, from Forfar but described as a prisoner at Perth, appeared on indictment at Forfar Sheriff Court, where he admitted nine charges involving a range of offences against five of his former partners , dating back to 2007.
He will also be subject to a stringent, year-long supervised release order on completion of the jail term. The sentencing sheriff also granted non-harassment orders in relation to three of the women.
The charges revealed a pattern of relationships which began with no problems but the accused became increasingly possessive, controlling and violent.
Some of the women were grabbed by the throat, he would call them names and strike up an argument if a meal was not ready or a bath run for him.
The accused’s solicitor, Nick Markowski, said McCallum had asked him to apologise in court to all of the women. “Many of the complainers had put Mr McCallum and their experiences with him behind them and that’s where he will remain in their minds.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio told McCallum: “You have pled guilty to a number of offences in relation to five women over a period of time which commenced in 2007 and ends this year. You also have an unenviable record of analogous matters.
“It is plain you are someone that is a potential source of danger to any woman with whom you become involved.”
Detective Inspector Muriel Fuller of the National Domestic Abuse Task Force said: “This was a protracted police investigation carried out by the Domestic Abuse Task Force in the north area of Police Scotland.
“McCallum’s relationship with the women involved in this inquiry was abusive and violent. The women described him as ‘obsessive and controlling’.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to these victims who came forward and assisted the police. We would encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse to come forward. There is help and support available.”