Peebleshire News

Rapist is locked up for abusing three women

- Mike Thomson michael.thomson@newsquest.co.uk

A 39-YEAR-OLD Borders man has been sentenced for serious sexual offences.

Aaron Swan was on Friday, May 3, handed an Order of Lifelong Restrictio­n, with a minimum of six years imprisonme­nt, at the High Court in Inverness.

He was convicted of raping two women who were asleep and therefore unable to consent in April 2013.

He also raped a third woman in February 2020 after she withdrew consent during sexual intercours­e.

At the High Court in Inverness, Swan was ordered to serve a minimum of six years imprisonme­nt.

His name was added to the sex offenders’ register indefinite­ly with non-harassment orders granted for all parties involved.

Swan was also convicted of one charge under Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 for abusing a partner including coercive and controllin­g behaviour.

He repeatedly contacted the woman by telephone, harassed her, psychologi­cally manipulate­d her, monitored her movements, asked relatives for informatio­n about her and uttered threats of violence all while threatenin­g to harm himself.

Swan was also found guilty of assaulting the woman by strangling her and pinning her against a car during an incident in July 2019 after initially calling her for help.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, Katrina

Parkes, said: “The victims of Aaron Carson Swan’s depravity have shown great courage and resolve in coming forward and reporting him to the authoritie­s.

“The ordeals they endured at the hands of this man have weighed heavily and will undoubtedl­y have a lasting impact.

“Their evidence has ensured he has been held to account for his appalling criminal behaviour and their bravery has helped protect

other women from this dangerous individual.

“Swan has been brought to justice after a thorough investigat­ion by the police and our expert prosecutor­s.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of a similar crime to come forward: report it and seek support.

“The Crown is committed to effectivel­y prosecutin­g all sexual offenders.”

Detective Constable Jessica Laycock said: “I hope this sentencing provides some measure of closure for the victims.

“Sexual abuse has no place in our society and any reports made to Police Scotland will be robustly investigat­ed.

“If you are experienci­ng abuse, or know someone who is, please contact us directly or through our partner agencies. We will take action, no matter the timescale.”

 ?? Image: Police Scotland ?? ‘BROUGHT TO JUSITCE’: Aaron Swan will serve a minimum of six years behind bars.
Image: Police Scotland ‘BROUGHT TO JUSITCE’: Aaron Swan will serve a minimum of six years behind bars.

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