A teenage rapist from Fife who showed no remorse for his sex crimes was jailed for five and a half years for attacks on two women.
Brandon MacLean subjected both victims to rape ordeals and attacked one woman twice within three days.
MacLean was aged just 17 when he carried out his first offence in November 2019, subjecting a woman to threatening or abusive behaviour at a house in Ballingry, refusing to leave and brandishing a knife at her.
The following year, between August 19 and September 30, he carried out his first rape at a house in Glenrothes.
MacLean, from Fife, raped the woman a second time at a house in Kirkcaldy, in early 2021.
He pushed her face into a bed cover and the side of the bed, restricting her breathing.
The woman was also subjected to a course of abusive behaviour at locations in Fife in 2020 and 2021, during which MacLean punched, kicked, shook and threatened her.
Provisions to protect public
He raped another woman – his third victim – at a house in Kirkcaldy on March 7 2021, when she was asleep and intoxicated and incapable of giving consent.
He raped her again three days later at the address after seizing her by the hair, struggling with her and pulling her onto her back.
MacLean, now 20, had denied a series of charges during an earlier trial but was convicted of six offences, including four rapes.
Judge Lord Beckett told him at the High Court in Edinburgh he had shown no remorse and he was concerned how best to protect the public in his case.
He said: “Given the gravity of the crimes of which you were convicted there is no suitable alternative to a sentence of detention.”
The judge ordered for a further five and a half year period, MacLean will be under supervision and could be returned to prison if he breaches the terms of his licence.
MacLean, who has been in custody since 2021, was placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
Defence counsel Herbert Kerrigan KC said: “He is young.
“He has clearly had a disturbed childhood.”
Police plea to survivors
Detective Constable Sean Wesson of Police Scotland, said: “MacLean will now rightly face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.
“The fact that he has been convicted and sentenced is down to the bravery of his victims in coming forward to police and reporting it.
“They have shown great courage during our investigation and by giving their evidence in court.
“My thoughts remain with them at this time and I sincerely hope that today’s sentencing will bring them some comfort and allow them to move forward.
“These types of crimes will not be tolerated and we remain committed to supporting victims of crime.
“We will thoroughly investigate those responsible, no matter how much time has passed.
“I would urge people to come forward and report it. You can be assured of being fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.”
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