Rufus McLean plead guilty to domestic abuse

[BnM]

A Scots rugby international is facing the sack from his club after he admitted domestically abusing his girlfriend during a harrowing 20-month ordeal - as she is pictured for the first time following his guilty plea. 

Glasgow Warriors and Scotland rugby union player Rufus McLean, 22, used tracking systems to keep tabs on the phone of Cara Haston, 21, and demanded the passwords to her social media accounts. 

The 13-stone player admitted leaving his victim, from Edinburgh, with a burst lip and black eye after pushing her off him during one incident. He also called her a b***h and a s*** and sent her abusive text and social media messages, the court heard. 

Following his guilty plea, he was suspended by Glasgow Warriors with immediate affect. The US-born winger, who has been capped three times for Scotland, has had no contact with the club since then, and his career hangs in the balance...

Iain Smith, defending, asked Sheriff Matthew Auchincloss to consider giving McLean an 'absolute discharge' – meaning he would not have a criminal record. 

Mr Smith said a Glasgow Warriors disciplinary hearing was due to take place today and the 'consequences could be severe'.

Sheriff Auchincloss deferred sentencing until next month to allow a report to be prepared on McLean's suitability for a project addressing the behaviour of male domestic abusers. 

He said he would consider the imposition of a non-harassment order against McLean at the next hearing.

[Slick]

Yup, pretty disgusting. A few more comments on the Scottish rugby thread

[SaintK]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

[Slick]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

He also needs help though

[Sandstorm]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

He also needs help though

Has he done much charity work?

[Slick]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

He also needs help though

Has he done much charity work?

Dunno, but it's not normal behaviour

[SaintK]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

He also needs help though

Hopefully he'll get some while he's serving his sentence

[sockwithaticket]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

He also needs help though

Definitely, the purpose of the justice system should be to reform and rehabilitate. However, when offenders present a danger to others, which I believe someone who will physically abuse romantic partners is, the work should be done with them removed from the general population.

[I like neeps]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

He also needs help though

Hopefully he'll get some while he's serving his sentence

There does seem to be some men's project to reduce domestic violence by the Scottish government to reduce this offending so hopefully it's effective.

[Blackmac]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

First time offender. Scottish justice system. Unlikely.

[SaintK]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

First time offender. Scottish justice system. Unlikely.

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

[Sandstorm]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

First time offender. Scottish justice system. Unlikely.

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

Newspaper already has some horseshit in it:

"with a burst lip and black eye after pushing her off him during one incident"

Wait until the defence attorney gets going at the trial....

[Blackmac]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

First time offender. Scottish justice system. Unlikely.

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

The Scottish justice system actively discourages custodial sentences under 12 months. It's unlikely he is facing much more so likely to get a community sentence, especially with a guilty plea. I pointed out on the Scottish rugby thread that his lawyer is already suggesting an absolute discharge so can't be expecting too much more.

[SaintK]

First time offender. Scottish justice system. Unlikely.

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

The Scottish justice system actively discourages custodial sentences under 12 months. It's unlikely he is facing much more so likely to get a community sentence, especially with a guilty plea. I pointed out on the Scottish rugby thread that his lawyer is already suggesting an absolute discharge so can't be expecting too much more.

Thanks for that
He sounds like a right scumbag mind

[Blackmac]

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

The Scottish justice system actively discourages custodial sentences under 12 months. It's unlikely he is facing much more so likely to get a community sentence, especially with a guilty plea. I pointed out on the Scottish rugby thread that his lawyer is already suggesting an absolute discharge so can't be expecting too much more.

Thanks for that
He sounds like a right scumbag mind

Yeah, I always think coercive behaviour is more sinister than the drunken partner who maybe lashes out due to anger or drink. It very measured and calculated abuse.

[Tichtheid]

I've hesitated commenting on this for a couple of reasons but one is because I didn't want to be misunderstood.

First, I hope there is a restraining order put in place so that he doesn't try to contact the young woman ever again, if that is her choice. Also I'll say that no one should go through what she had to, it's unimaginable to most men the everyday misogyny and sexism women go through, let alone something like this from the person who should be the one she can rely on, that is a betrayal on a huge scale.

I hope she can get any help she might want.

I think this kind of "ultra jealousy" and controlling behaviour is not normal, there must be a psychological blip somewhere that makes some men act like this. Some women too.

He will lose his job and his dream of playing for Scotland, he will also face some kind of punishment, but I hope he can get whatever counselling or help is deemed necessary.
No one else should have to suffer this abuse from him.

I believe in rehabilitation, I think I'm right in saying that the more liberal criminal justice systems have lower recidivism rates.

He may pick up another club outside of Scotland, he was an immensely promising young player, would I want him in my team? No.

[Slick]

I've hesitated commenting on this for a couple of reasons but one is because I didn't want to be misunderstood.

First, I hope there is a restraining order put in place so that he doesn't try to contact the young woman ever again, if that is her choice. Also I'll say that no one should go through what she had to, it's unimaginable to most men the everyday misogyny and sexism women go through, let alone something like this from the person who should be the one she can rely on, that is a betrayal on a huge scale.

I hope she can get any help she might want.

I think this kind of "ultra jealousy" and controlling behaviour is not normal, there must be a psychological blip somewhere that makes some men act like this. Some women too.

He will lose his job and his dream of playing for Scotland, he will also face some kind of punishment, but I hope he can get whatever counselling or help is deemed necessary.
No one else should have to suffer this abuse from him.

I believe in rehabilitation, I think I'm right in saying that the more liberal criminal justice systems have lower recidivism rates.

He may pick up another club outside of Scotland, he was an immensely promising young player, would I want him in my team? No.

Well done, this is the post I was trying to get my head around as well. Obviously a troubled lad who has now lost everything. I don't think having a bit of sympathy for that takes anything away from the horrendous ordeal he has put this girl through and isn't mitigation for a lighter punishment, but he needs an eye kept on him.

[Biffer]

I often think a judicial system should categorise punishment in terms of retribution, reparation and rehabilitation, i.e. punishment, repairing damage and changing behaviour. Some sentencing does more than one of these i.e. community service can repair damage and be a punishment. I just think it needs a bit more spelling out what the sentence is trying to do. first and last are needed for McLean.

[Sandstorm]

He may pick up another club outside of Scotland......

NZ

[mos_eisely_]

First time offender. Scottish justice system. Unlikely.

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

Newspaper already has some horseshit in it:

"with a burst lip and black eye after pushing her off him during one incident"

Wait until the defence attorney gets going at the trial....

My understanding is that it has come to light because there was a trial and he plead guilty and it's just waiting on the sentancing

[Biffer]

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

Newspaper already has some horseshit in it:

"with a burst lip and black eye after pushing her off him during one incident"

Wait until the defence attorney gets going at the trial....

My understanding is that it has come to light because there was a trial and he plead guilty and it's just waiting on the sentancing

That's correct. Defence brief tried to get it dismissed as he was going to be punished by losing his career. Got short shrift from the judge.

[charltom]

I'm with Tichtheid and Slick.

But don't be surprised to see McLean on the wing for the USA in the 2027 RWC if Scotland now spurn him.

[Blackmac]

I often think a judicial system should categorise punishment in terms of retribution, reparation and rehabilitation, i.e. punishment, repairing damage and changing behaviour. Some sentencing does more than one of these i.e. community service can repair damage and be a punishment. I just think it needs a bit more spelling out what the sentence is trying to do. first and last are needed for McLean.

The Scottish sentencing guidelines make interesting reading. Whilst most people think, punishment, prevention and protection of the public would be the main factors in sentencing, they are not given any more priority over rehabilitation. Unfortunately the first three are easy to impose but the system fails badly when it comes to rehabilitation which fails everyone in the long term.

[geordie_6]

A community based penalty is not only more likely, but may be more beneficial from a rehabilitation (and therefore risk reduction) perspective. I work in the English rather than Scottish Probation systems, but short prison sentences aren't worth shit as there's never enough time to do any actual work to address offending.

With a community based penalty and suitable victim protection measures such as non-mols, could start work to address his behaviour in relationships from the get go.

[SaintK]

The first part of his punishment

Glasgow Warriors have terminated the contract of Rufus McLean after the Scotland wing pleaded guilty in court to domestic abuse.
The Boston-born 22-year-old, who has three caps for his country, had his sentence deferred after appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
Warriors have now ended his contract as his actions "constituted gross misconduct and breach of contract".

[weegie01]

McLean is not scum, not a shitebag or any of the various other pieces of invective that have been thrown his way. He is a decent young man who let the green eyed monster take over, massively over reacted to events, things spiralled out of control and he badly lost his way and did bad things. I agree that is not normal behaviour, but he is more a flawed young man than an evil person. Which makes me think he can be rehabilitated.

They have been together since they were 15/16, and it was never smooth sailing. The relationship was described to me using the analogy that the score was 2-1, but they agreed to call it 1-0 in the agreed narrative and guilty plea. He was unlikely to escape without a guilty verdict anyway, he could have contested this and made it very unpleasant for her. This way he is no more damaged than he would have been anyway, but by him agreeing to a narrative and pleading guilty, she has been spared the ordeal of a court hearing.

I am in no way condoning or excusing his actions. What he did was wrong, and clearly the person to whom sympathy is due is his ex. I do not beleive Glasgow had any choice in the matter. But I also beleive that McLean can be rehabilitated.

[Big D]

McLean is not scum, not a shitebag or any of the various other pieces of invective that have been thrown his way. He is a decent young man who let the green eyed monster take over, massively over reacted to events, things spiralled out of control and he badly lost his way and did bad things. I agree that is not normal behaviour, but he is more a flawed young man than an evil person. Which makes me think he can be rehabilitated.

They have been together since they were 15/16, and it was never smooth sailing. The relationship was described to me using the analogy that the score was 2-1, but they agreed to call it 1-0 in the agreed narrative and guilty plea. He was unlikely to escape without a guilty verdict anyway, he could have contested this and made it very unpleasant for her. This way he is no more damaged than he would have been anyway, but by him agreeing to a narrative and pleading guilty, she has been spared the ordeal of a court hearing.

I am in no way condoning or excusing his actions. What he did was wrong, and clearly the person to whom sympathy is due is his ex. I do not beleive Glasgow had any choice in the matter. But I also beleive that McLean can be rehabilitated.

Sorry, he isn't a scumbag but you go on and suggest you've been told the "score was 2-1"? Suggesting he's done her a favour by avoiding a drawn out court case when based on his briefs actions he was wanting an absolute discharge?

He may be able to be rehabilitated, may even end up being someone who treats partners with respect, but the SRU should not put woman in a position where they need to pay to watch him play rugby. His career involving the SRU should be done.

[weegie01]

McLean is not scum, not a shitebag or any of the various other pieces of invective that have been thrown his way. He is a decent young man who let the green eyed monster take over, massively over reacted to events, things spiralled out of control and he badly lost his way and did bad things. I agree that is not normal behaviour, but he is more a flawed young man than an evil person. Which makes me think he can be rehabilitated.

They have been together since they were 15/16, and it was never smooth sailing. The relationship was described to me using the analogy that the score was 2-1, but they agreed to call it 1-0 in the agreed narrative and guilty plea. He was unlikely to escape without a guilty verdict anyway, he could have contested this and made it very unpleasant for her. This way he is no more damaged than he would have been anyway, but by him agreeing to a narrative and pleading guilty, she has been spared the ordeal of a court hearing.

I am in no way condoning or excusing his actions. What he did was wrong, and clearly the person to whom sympathy is due is his ex. I do not beleive Glasgow had any choice in the matter. But I also beleive that McLean can be rehabilitated.

Sorry, he isn't a scumbag but you go on and suggest you've been told the "score was 2-1"? Suggesting he's done her a favour by avoiding a drawn out court case when based on his briefs actions he was wanting an absolute discharge?

He may be able to be rehabilitated, may even end up being someone who treats partners with respect, but the SRU should not put woman in a position where they need to pay to watch him play rugby. His career involving the SRU should be done.

I did say Glasgow had no choice but to let him go.

Of course his brief asked for an absolute discharge. It is their job to get the best result they can for him after he pled guilty.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Right now he is scum, it is possible he can address that and in future be seen as not scum. Very likely there's an argument that process is easier if he's not derided as scum, but the truth is for many that's what he is at this moment in time

[Big D]

McLean is not scum, not a shitebag or any of the various other pieces of invective that have been thrown his way. He is a decent young man who let the green eyed monster take over, massively over reacted to events, things spiralled out of control and he badly lost his way and did bad things. I agree that is not normal behaviour, but he is more a flawed young man than an evil person. Which makes me think he can be rehabilitated.

They have been together since they were 15/16, and it was never smooth sailing. The relationship was described to me using the analogy that the score was 2-1, but they agreed to call it 1-0 in the agreed narrative and guilty plea. He was unlikely to escape without a guilty verdict anyway, he could have contested this and made it very unpleasant for her. This way he is no more damaged than he would have been anyway, but by him agreeing to a narrative and pleading guilty, she has been spared the ordeal of a court hearing.

I am in no way condoning or excusing his actions. What he did was wrong, and clearly the person to whom sympathy is due is his ex. I do not beleive Glasgow had any choice in the matter. But I also beleive that McLean can be rehabilitated.

Sorry, he isn't a scumbag but you go on and suggest you've been told the "score was 2-1"? Suggesting he's done her a favour by avoiding a drawn out court case when based on his briefs actions he was wanting an absolute discharge?

He may be able to be rehabilitated, may even end up being someone who treats partners with respect, but the SRU should not put woman in a position where they need to pay to watch him play rugby. His career involving the SRU should be done.

I did say Glasgow had no choice but to let him go.

Of course his brief asked for an absolute discharge. It is their job to get the best result they can for him after he pled guilty.

The brief also according to reports didn't suggest their client was sorry or offer apology for his actions only he was worried about his career.

[weegie01]

The brief also according to reports didn't suggest their client was sorry or offer apology for his actions only he was worried about his career.

You are basing your opinions on what you have read in the press.

I am trying to add some nuance to what has been reported based on knowing people (of both sexes, not that it should matter) close to both parties in the couple. Like everyone, they have their biases, but they also know a lot more than is in the press.

[Uncle fester]

He may pick up another club outside of Scotland, he was an immensely promising young player, would I want him in my team? No.

Look at the grief London Irish got for signing Paddy Jackson (who was found not guilty). With the guilty result, would be very surprised if McClean found another club.

[charltom]

He may pick up another club outside of Scotland, he was an immensely promising young player, would I want him in my team? No.

Look at the grief London Irish got for signing Paddy Jackson (who was found not guilty). With the guilty result, would be very surprised if McClean found another club.

Wasn't Jackson accused of a rather more grave crime?

[Simian]

Should spend a while in prison for that!

First time offender. Scottish justice system. Unlikely.

I bow to your local Scottish justice knowledge
But for coercive behaviour and assault and battery of your girlfriend surely that's a custodial sentence even for a first time offender

right? but the likely outcome (not a custodial sentence) is by no means unique to the Scottish system.

[Big D]

He may pick up another club outside of Scotland, he was an immensely promising young player, would I want him in my team? No.

Look at the grief London Irish got for signing Paddy Jackson (who was found not guilty). With the guilty result, would be very surprised if McClean found another club.

Wasn't Jackson accused of a rather more grave crime?

Aye, IIRC he and Olding were unanimously deemed not guilty then WhatsApp messages became public with some pretty terrible language and description of how they left her or she left them I can't quite remember. It was those that led to their dismissal.

He and Olding were lucky to find another club and were lucky French teams took a chance on them.

McLean will get support from family and whatever the justice system imposes on him and rightfully so. Given he will have a criminal conviction that may limit his opportunities to continue his rugby career abroad.

[JM2K6]

Remarkable levels of empathy and understanding towards this young Scottish rugby player

[Jim Lahey]

Don't think you can compare the Jackson story and this.

Jackson acted like a twat over Whatsapp but was found not guilty of a serious accusation, unanomously in record time (1 or 2 hours I think) by the jury.

This guy is guilty of what seems to be a lesser crime (still pretty bad tbf).

Ulster and Ireland's sponsors (the moral bastions that are Kingspan and Bank of Ireland) ran Jackson out of town despite the not guilty verdict. It was probably for the best as his reputation was fucked after the trial anyway. At least he seems to have done well for himself at LI.

McLean needs to take his verdict, make amends for his actions, sort himself and his demons out, and probably head to pastures new for a fresh start.

[Slick]

Remarkable levels of empathy and understanding towards this young Scottish rugby player

Not sure you have read the thread properly

[JM2K6]

Remarkable levels of empathy and understanding towards this young Scottish rugby player

Not sure you have read the thread properly

I have. It's a very thoughtful thread. Surprisingly so. Lots of people willing to take a nuanced view even while (in most cases) recognising the severity of the crime. Somewhat out of kilter with most reactions to things like this, but one I appreciate.

[Slick]

Remarkable levels of empathy and understanding towards this young Scottish rugby player

Not sure you have read the thread properly

I have. It's a very thoughtful thread. Surprisingly so. Lots of people willing to take a nuanced view even while (in most cases) recognising the severity of the crime. Somewhat out of kilter with most reactions to things like this, but one I appreciate.

Ahh. Apologies you not sarcastic bastard