Rapist who ‘continues to deny’ crimes could be locked up for life

A Dundee rapist who subjected women and children to a horrific catalogue of brutality and abuse was yesterday warned he could face a life sentence.

Frank Mayne, 55, preyed on two girls and two women during a 17-year crime spree from 2000.

A judge ordered a full risk assessment report be prepared on the rapist.

This can result in the imposition of an order for lifelong restriction (OLR).

Under an OLR, which is reserved for the most serious sexual and violent offending short of murder, a court sets the minimum period that must be served in jail, with parole authorities deciding any future release.

Lord Pentland told Mayne at the High Court in Edinburgh that he was “entirely satisfied” on the basis of comprehensive information before him that the risk criteria were met in his case for seeking a full report.

The judge said to a substantial degree the sex offender continued “to deny and minimise the gravity of his conduct”.

Mayne was earlier convicted of 15 charges of rape, assault, indecency and indecent assault.

He had denied the crimes, committed in his home city of Dundee and Tayport.

However, a jury unanimously found him guilty of 13 of the offences.

It also convicted him of the remaining two charges on majority verdicts.

Mayne admitted further charges of possessing indecent images of children.

Sentence was deferred on Mayne until yesterday for the preparation of initial reports.

Mayne groomed youngsters before repeatedly abusing and raping them.

His vicious treatment of adult victims extended to subjecting one woman to a knifepoint rape ordeal.

Defence solicitor advocate Chris Fyffe said Mayne had a history of substance abuse, involving drugs and drink.

He said Mayne wanted to get help for his offending behaviour and recognised the need for it.

Sentence was further adjourned on Mayne until later in the year.