A serial rapist from Fife who strangled women during a campaign of brutality has been sent to prison.
Tyrone McLuckie, 23, abused, assaulted and sexually assaulted three victims in his home town of Leven.
He was convicted after trial last month of four rapes, two sexual assaults and three charges of abusive behaviour, committed between July 2019 and May 2021.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Alison Stirling said she had no option but to send McLuckie to jail.
Rehabilitation expectation
However, the judge said she had observed him during his trial, noted how he had experienced “adverse” childhood experiences and that no family members were present during his trial to support him.
She added: “You came across as naive and somewhat immature.
“You seem to me be a vulnerable young man in much need of support.
“When you are released I expect you to be rehabilitated.”
Judge Stirling placed McLuckie on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
She said she had to take into account sentencing guidelines for people who are aged under 25 – designed to reflect findings that young offenders have not yet fully matured but are more capable of being rehabilitated than older people.
He was jailed for six years.
Throttled victims
The trial – watched by the accused from prison by videolink – heard one woman kept saying “no” as McLuckie raped her but he put his hand over her mouth and pulled her hair.
During abuse she suffered, McLuckie grabbed her by the neck and throttled her, restricting her breathing.
He punched, kicked and pinched her on the body and threatened her with violence.
McLuckie told the court he met his first victim through Facebook, but maintained he never hit her.
He said: “We had arguments but no threats or violence.”
He said all sexual activity with her was consensual.
A second woman was also punched, kicked, throttled and threatened.
She was pushed to the ground and subjected to verbal abuse by McLuckie, who raped her.
The third rape victim was aged 17 when she was abused, assaulted and raped by McLuckie.
He punched, kicked and bit her on the body, pulled her hair and spat on her.
She also had objects thrown at her and her neck was squeezed.
Appeal planned
On Wednesday, defence solicitor advocate Euan Gosney said his client had been physically abused as a youngster.
He said McLuckie’s early family circumstances had had a “profoundly destabilising” effect on his personal development.
He said McLuckie still denied any wrong doing and will appeal against his conviction.
Detective Sergeant Graeme McLaren of Police Scotland said: “I welcome the sentencing and commend the strength of the women for coming forward to reporting McLuckie of his despicable actions.
“He now faces the consequences and I hope that gives the women some comfort as they try to move forward from this.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence to come forward, no matter how much time has passed, and report it to us.
“Be assured, we will fully investigate and you will be supported by police and our partner agencies.”
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