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A Moray serial rapist has been jailed for 15 years for attacking and abusing six women.
Francis Sanderson (29), also known by the last name Campbell, committed multiple rapes and sexual assaults over 13 years.
The Inverness High Court heard how a victim was 14 when Sanderson raped her in a public park.
His crimes were committed against six women between 2008 and 2020 in the Moray, Easter Ross and Inverness areas.
Another was gagged with a sock and duct tape before being subjected to a serious sexual assault.
Prosecutors from the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) told the jury that Sanderson attempted to control his victims through threats and physical violence.
In addition, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer who was trying to arrest him.
In Glasgow High Court, Sanderson was sentenced today to 15 years in prison.
He has also been granted a five-year sentence extension and will be closely monitored upon his release.
Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: โFrancis Sanderson perpetrated domestic abuse crimes for many years and has today been held accountable for his conduct.
โSanderson's crime is marked by a sustained campaign of physical and sexual abuse against multiple women.
โHe has proven to be a controlling and dangerous individual who perpetrated a torrent of domestic abuse throughout his adult life.
"With this sentence, Sanderson will face the consequences of his actions for years to come.
โHis conviction is welcome and sends a clear message that domestic abuse offenses will not be tolerated in modern Scotland and will be vigorously investigated by Police Scotland.
"I would like to acknowledge the victims in this case and hope that today's sentencing provides them with closure that allows them to move on with their lives.
โWe would take this opportunity to reach out to anyone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse; It's never too late to report to the police or seek support and advice from one of our partner agencies such as Women's Aid."
The High Court's National Sex Crimes Prosecutor Fraser Gibson praised the victims, now all adults, for their courage in speaking out about the crimes.
He said: โFrancis Sanderson was a serial abuser of women who damaged the lives of the women he came into contact with.
โHis offense covers most of his adult life. He moved from victim to victim.
โWe are grateful for the courage of the women who came forward to report their experiences and put an end to this offense.
"Prosecutors within COPFS are committed to seeking justice for victims of such abuse and we encourage all victims of similar crimes to come forward, report and seek help."
