Donna Maclean, 43, attacked John McNeil at his partner’s flat in Rutherglen on December 23, 2022.
The 70-year-old had been scheduled to care for Maclean’s border collie-labrador mix, Bella. However, a change in the date of his holiday to Tenerife left him unable to pet-sit.
Mr. McNeil told Glasgow Sheriff Court, “She was unhappy as it disrupted her plans. She wanted to go out with friends to watch the Celtic and Rangers game and socialize.”
A furious and foul-mouthed Maclean was described as “stamping” on her stepfather’s head during the assault. The attack ended only when Mr. McNeil’s 64-year-old partner, Patricia Scott, managed to kick her off.
This incident occurred 10 days before Rangers and Celtic drew 2-2 at Ibrox. Maclean has now been found guilty of assaulting Mr. McNeil and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner. She had claimed she was acting in self-defense.
Maclean, also from Rutherglen, will return to court next month.
The court heard from retiree Mr. McNeil, who stated that he was on the phone with Maclean on the night of the incident. He said, “There was a change in arrangements made for our holiday. I looked after Donna’s dog and had to inform her of the changes.”
Mr. McNeil stated that Maclean was “not pleased” and “right annoyed” during the call while she was out with her mother. Maclean later arrived at Miss Scott’s home around 11 p.m., where Mr. McNeil was lying on the living room floor watching TV.
In his police statement, Mr. McNeil said, “She was shouting and swearing, calling me a f***ing w***er.” Prosecutor Ewan Wilson-McKay asked what happened once Maclean was in the living room. Mr. McNeil replied, “I was not expecting what happened – I got kicked in the chest, which knocked me flat, and she started stamping on my head. Patricia came back, saw me weakening, kicked Donna, and she ran out.”
Miss Scott testified that she called Maclean a “fat b****” and noticed her partner was injured, saying, “I saw his face – it looked like a smashed pumpkin,” covered in blood.
Mr. McNeil contacted the police, who attended the property. Home carer of 15 years, Maclean, stated she also called the police, claiming to have been assaulted. However, she asked officers not to pursue the matter, fearing their friends. She stated she went to Miss Scott’s home to “cut ties” with Mr. McNeil due to issues with their joint care arrangement for the dog.
Sheriff Vincent Lunny deferred the matter pending background reports and ordered Maclean to appear in court next month.
