Domestic abuser jailed for 'evil' murder of partner

A man has been jailed for at least 22 years after he killed his partner in what a judge described as a cowardly and evil attack.

Mark Keel, 33, murdered Maxine Clark at her home in the Riddrie area of Glasgow and left her with more than 50 injuries.

The 36-year-old mum had previously been attacked by Keel, who has abuse convictions from three previous relationships.

He has been jailed for life with a minimum of 22 years after pleading guilty to murder at the High Court in Glasgow.

During the sentencing, Lord Mulholland listed injuries Keel inflicted on Ms Clark including brain damage, significant bruising, fractures and wounds.

The judge told him: "What you did was cowardly, evil and the actions of a brute."

Although Lord Mulholland cut the minimum jail-term from 24 years due to the guilty plea, he warned Keel that he might never been freed from prison.

The court heard Ms Clark had 51 separate injuries likely caused by punches, kicks and being stamped upon.

The imprint of Keel's shoes were found on her leg.

At the time of the murder, Keel had been in a relationship with Ms Clark for 18 months and he had recently moved into her home in Riddrie.

The mum-of-four had once been described as "healthy, happy and outgoing" but later told people of physical violence.

She had been seen with black eyes as well an injury to her jaw. She also had "grab marks" around her neck.

Maxine admitted to a neighbour that Keel had punched her.

She was scared to report him because she feared any potential repercussions, the court heard.

In the hours before the murder, Keel called his mother asking to be picked up and claimed he was "leaving" Ms Clark.

They went to his father's home in the southside of Glasgow before he later got a taxi back to Ms Clark's house.

She was in bed when he got home and Keel was described as "drunk".

The lawyer said the fatal attack happened at the property afterwards.

A child also staying at the house got up the next morning to find Ms Clark still in the bed on her side, with Keel sitting beside her wrapped in a blanket.

"She appeared to have fresh injuries to her face and her breathing was described as laboured," said Mr Dickson.

The child left to play with friends, but returned every hour to see how she was.

The advocate depute told the court: "Keel said he thought she was having an allergic reaction and that there was no need to call an ambulance."

At about 18:00, G4S security staff arrived to the house to fit an electronic tag on Keel due to the curfew imposed on him weeks earlier.

But he told them to leave and said he had just woken up. He went on to dial 999 and claimed Ms Clark's tongue was swollen and he had not seen her awake that day.

Emergency services discovered her body still lying on the blood-stained bed partially covered with a duvet.

The court heard how Keel was already subject to strict non-harassment orders banning him from approaching or contacting three former partners before he began his relationship with Ms Clark.

He was also jailed for domestic violence in June 2022.

In 2023, he was told to attend the Caledonian System - a project for men guilty of domestic abuse.

He was deemed "a high risk offender" but his attendance was described as "sporadic".

Keel went on to flout a court-imposed community payback order.

In January 2024, he was instead put on a 12-month supervision as well as an 18-week curfew.

The court heard that Keel's baby son died from illness in 2014.

Brian McConnachie KC, defending, said Ms Clark's murder had happened on the anniversary of the child's death.

Det Sgt Ian Evans said: "Maxine was a beloved mum and daughter. Maxine's family miss her every day and they still feel her loss profoundly.

"I hope they find some solace in knowing Keel is no longer able to inflict his brutal and violent behaviour on any other women."