Police have praised the bravery of women who gave evidence after suffering years of violence at the hands of a “highly violent and controlling” Perth man.
Barry Dalton, 40, was sentenced to eight years for abduction and rape in Perth and a further 30 months for attacks against females and a male, after being found guilty following trial at the High Court in Perth.
On Wednesday a jury had found the car dealer guilty of a host of offences, including abducting, scalping and repeatedly raping a teacher, along with assaulting a former girlfriend, another woman and a man.
In sentencing Dalton, Lord Glennie had described the assault on the teacher as “brutal”.
Detective Inspector Wayne Morrison, of Police Scotland’s Tayside Division, said the force welcomed the prison sentence handed down to Dalton.
“Dalton is a highly violent and controlling individual who has committed a catalogue of serious offences against females over a number of years,” he said.
“Dalton’s victims were mainly, but not exclusively, females and it is due to their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence during the trial that his abuse has come to an end.”
He continued: “I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the strength and character shown by the victims, and also thank those who have supported them at this time.
“It is my hope that the convictions and sentencing will provide some form of closure for them.
“The thoughts of the inquiry team are with them and their families. I would also like to thank the team of dedicated officers and staff who worked very hard to bring Dalton to justice.
“We are committing to keeping people safe and we hope that the sentencing sends out the message that such conduct will absolutely not be tolerated in our communities.”
Dalton had been found guilty of kicking the teacher, compressing her throat, threatening her for refusing to have sex with him and repeatedly raping her.