Jail for man who carved initials into girlfriend’s stomach

A MAN who carved his initials on to his girlfriend with a Stanly knife during an eight-month reign of terror has been jailed for nine and a half years.

George Kennedy Temple sliced GKT into Julie Rutherford’s stomach and told her: “You’ll always remember me”.

Ms Rutherford also suffered cigarette burns to her arms, legs and torso during the horrendous domestic abuse.

Temple yesterday returned to the dock, after admitting assaulting the 36-year-old to the danger of her life between April and October last year.

Judge Lady Dorrian told him: “This case displays an appalling history of violence and abuse. It is hard to believe that a human being could behave towards another in such a depraved and monstrous way.”

She also ordered the 40-year-old to be supervised for a further six years on his release from jail.

The attacks took place at a property in Westburn Grove, Edinburgh, after the couple began dating in June 2009.

The court heard that until Ms Rutherford suffered a heart attack three months later, she believed their relationship had been “great”.

Temple had saved her life by giving CPR, but when she left hospital, his behaviour changed towards her.

Prosecutor Gary Allan, QC, said: “She has difficulty recalling each instance of violence, as she was beaten so frequently.”

The court heard that Temple – who had accused his victim of adultery – had up to four kitchen knives with tape around the handles to hide his fingerprints.

Ms Rutherford – who at one stage had gone to a women’s refuge – never went to police because she was too scared and Temple had taken her phone.

The violence ended after Temple beat her up at the Wester Hailes Shopping Centre and members of the public called the police.

Jim Stephenson, defending, said: “He does accept the damage he has caused to the complainer. There had been periods of jealousy and paranoia.”