A man who sexually assaulted women and children across Fife has been jailed.
David MacBride was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison at Edinburgh High Court today and has been registered indefinitely as a sex offender.
The 44-year-old was also given an Order for Lifelong Restriction meaning he could spend life in prison unless he can prove he is not a danger.
If he is ever released from custody, MacBride will remain on licence indefinitely.
Evil MacBride was found guilty of sexually abusing three women and two young children.
He was convicted of eight counts of rape, which included the rape of a young child, and three counts of sexual assault, two of which were against a child.
The offences took place between 2007 and 2014 in the Cardenden, Glenrothes, Burntisland, Kirkcaldy, Methil and Dunfermline areas.
Detectives from Fife’s Public Protection Unit (PPU) began to investigate MacBride in November 2015 yet, whilst on bail, he fled the country.
Officers worked with police forces across Europe to locate MacBride, who was subsequently arrested in Cadiz, Spain in January 2018.
He was finally caught on his 44th birthday.
Detective Inspector Scott Davidson from PPU said: “MacBride is a dangerous individual and we welcome this sentence.
“He has now been given an Order for Lifelong Restriction due to the risk he poses to the public, and we hope the victims can now begin to move on with their lives.
“MacBride attempted to evade justice by fleeing the country, yet due to the bravery and courage of the victims he was brought before the courts to stand trial for his crimes.
“I would like to thank the victims and partner forces who assisted us in bringing MacBride to justice.
“We will always investigate all reports of sexual abuse and ensure perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice.”
Anyone with concerns or information about sexual abuse can contact Police Scotland on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
