A serial domestic abuser who brutally murdered his partner in a “cowardly and evil” attack has been jailed for at least 22 years.
Warning: This article includes details of domestic abuse that readers may find distressing.
Mark Keel, 33, left victim Maxine Clark, 36, with 51 separate injuries following the fatal assault at her home in Glasgow’s Riddrie area on 27 June 2024.
A court heard Ms Clark’s injuries included brain damage, blunt force bruising and lacerations to her face and head, and a fractured jaw from Keel stomping on her while she lay on the ground.
She also sustained a collapsed lung, lacerated liver, fractured ribs, and haemorrhages to her mouth, tongue and areas surrounding her heart.
Such was the force of Keel’s attack, the imprint of the soles of his shoes were found on Ms Clark’s leg.
Lord Mulholland said Keel “brutally and savagely” attacked a “defenceless woman”.
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The judge added: “Ultimately the injuries you inflicted caused cardiorespiratory arrest. The injuries were caused by multiple blows such as punches and kicks and stamps.
“The force used by you to inflict these injuries was such that impact spatter blood spots were recovered on the headboard of the bed.”
Lord Mulholland noted Keel’s history of domestic abuse with three previous partners and stated at the time of the murder, he was subject to a Community Payback Order (CPO) and Restriction of Liberty Order (RLO) for an earlier conviction.
Ms Clark, who was an only child, had also been seen with black eyes and “grab marks” to her neck.
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Lord Mulholland rebuked Keel for failing to get medical help for Ms Clark as she lay dying.
The judge stated: “To the contrary, you pretended that she had suffered an allergic reaction and there was no need to call an ambulance.
“When G4S staff attended at your home address to fit a tag on your leg, you told them to come back later.
“When you eventually called an ambulance, you told them that she had a swollen tongue and was struggling to breathe.
“This call was the best part of at least half a day after you had savagely beaten her. What you did to this defenceless woman was cowardly and evil. They were the actions of a brute.”
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At the High Court in Glasgow last month, Keel pleaded guilty to Ms Clark’s murder.
He was handed a life sentence with at least 22 years behind bars when he returned to the dock on Tuesday.
Lord Mulholland warned Keel he may never be freed, stating: “You will only be released if you are considered by the parole board to pose no risk to the public, particularly women, and that is a long way off, if ever.”
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Following the court case, Detective Sergeant Ian Evans branded Keel a “violent individual”.
He added: “Women are safer now that he has been convicted for his crimes.
“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.”
