Peter Clarke – Glasgow

A domestic abuser who launched an online fundraiser for a women’s charity while awaiting justice for violent offences against his partner has been exposed following details of his crimes.

Peter Clarke, 44, carried out a prolonged campaign of abuse against Stacey Drain, 41, over nearly two years. The abuse included repeated physical assaults, verbal degradation, and the use of covert surveillance devices placed throughout their home.

Investigators later uncovered hidden cameras concealed in everyday household items, including a Sky box, an alarm clock, and beneath floorboards. The devices were linked to multiple laptops and mobile phones hidden in the loft, which contained extensive recordings and evidence of their installation.

Ms Drain eventually fled to a refuge for safety. However, Clarke tracked her movements using a hidden device placed on her car. Following her escape, he posted a series of videos online, including clips in which he appeared dressed in her clothing and referencing her personal life.

Despite the severity of the abuse, Clarke was initially sentenced to community service, electronic tagging, and supervision, avoiding a custodial sentence even after experts recommended a four-year prison term.

Further details revealed that Clarke subjected his victim to extreme controlling behaviour, including verbal abuse, threats, and physical violence. In one incident, he reportedly kicked her in the head. He also attempted to coerce her into taking a lie detector test.

While under investigation, Clarke launched a fundraiser for a women’s aid charity, claiming its mission was important to him. He later falsely claimed to be suffering from leukaemia. Devices recovered by investigators showed internet searches relating to faking cancer symptoms.

Even while in custody, Clarke continued to contact his victim, sending letters and breaching bail conditions by attempting to arrange meetings under a false identity. Authorities imposed a 15-year non-harassment order—one of the longest issued in Scotland—yet it is alleged he continued to target the victim and her family.

In a separate case heard at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Clarke was also convicted of a 13-year campaign of abuse against a girl, beginning when she was three years old. The offences included physical violence and inappropriate behaviour over more than a decade.

Despite the extent of his offending, Clarke again avoided a prison sentence, receiving additional community service and monitoring measures.

Advocates have raised concerns about the handling of persistent domestic abuse cases. Experts warn that long-term patterns of coercive and violent behaviour must be treated as serious public protection issues, requiring stronger intervention and earlier action to safeguard victims.