Patrick Rae raped then murdered Mary McLaren following a night out in Dundee A man has been convicted of raping and murdering a mother-of-three in Dundee.
Patrick Rae, 41, had denied killing 34-year-old Mary McLaren following a night out at Fat Sams nightclub in the city in February 2010.
However, he was sentenced to life – with a minimum of 20 years – after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Rae was caught after CCTV images showed him dancing with Mrs McLaren and leaving the nightclub with her on the night she disappeared.
Her body was found two weeks later on 10 March, hidden in undergrowth near the Ladywell roundabout in Dundee.
In his closing speech to the jury following the four-week trial, advocate depute David Young QC said Mrs McLaren died a violent death.
Rae killed her by repeatedly punching her on the head and striking her head and body on the ground.
He also repeatedly struck her on the neck with a knife or similar instrument, before placing a piece of fabric round her throat and strangling her.
At the time of her death, Mrs McLaren – who had three children aged 18, 15, and 11 – had been looking forward to becoming a grandmother.
Following the verdict, Catriona Dalrymple, district procurator fiscal for Dundee, said “Patrick Rae today stands convicted of two of the worst crimes prosecutors can encounter.
“He committed a horrific attack against a defenceless woman, and in doing so took the life of a young wife and mother.
“This type of crime is fortunately rare within our community – but I would like to thank Tayside Police and the Scottish Police Services Authority for the work they have done which has enabled COPFS to bring Patrick Rae to justice and to ensure that our streets are safer.
“Our thoughts remain with the bereaved family of Mary McLaren at this time.”
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