Man jailed for dog chain killing

David Craigie had pleaded guilty to culpable homicide

A man who killed his girlfriend because he thought she was having an affair has been jailed for six years.

David Craigie, 24, repeatedly hit Sonya Todd, 21, with a dog chain during the assault at their home in Methil, Fife.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the attack was believed to have lasted up to five hours.

Craigie, 24, was initially charged with murder but admitted culpable homicide in light of evidence that Ms Todd's diabetes was a factor in her death.

Lord Kinclaven sentenced him to six years in prison, to be followed by three years' supervision.

The judge told Craigie there was no evidence that the injuries he inflicted during the assault in March would normally have led to death.

'Tragic loss'

But he added: "The fact remains this was a sustained assault on Sonya Todd, a young woman of 21, who seems not to have fought back.

"The consequence, albeit unintended, was the tragic loss of a young life."

Ms Todd's father, George, questioned the length of the sentence and the decision to accept a plea to the reduced charge.

Mr Todd said his daughter, who had a six-year-old child, had been "an ordinary teenager" with a "happy-go-lucky" nature before she met Craigie.

Sonya Todd was subjected to a prolonged assault

But that changed when she got involved with him, her father said.

"Everything changed, she wasn't the same lassie. She didn't get to have her own pals or anything."

The court heard how the couple had a volatile relationship and had arguments which could become violent.

On the day of the killing, neighbours were woken by a disturbance shortly after midnight and the noises continued periodically until about 0530 GMT.

Her body was found by a neighbour, who also found Craigie with tears streaming down his face.

He said: "I think I've killed her."

'Harrowing case'

Craigie admitted repeatedly striking Ms Todd with a dog chain and scratching, biting, punching and kicking her during the lengthy ordeal.

Defence QC Mark Stewart said his client was remorseful about what had happened.

Det Insp Andy Girdwood, of Fife Constabulary, said: "We are very glad that Craigie is behind bars for this exceptionally brutal and prolonged attack.

"While this harrowing case may have ended, the pain Sonya's family feels at the loss of this young mother goes on.

"Our thoughts are with them as they try to rebuild their lives. I would also like to thank the people of Methil for their vital support in this investigation."