1000 times,

He admitted being violent and abusive but denied raping the women, saying the sex was always consensual.

During the trial, the court heard how his first victim suffered horrifically at his hands.

She recalled how he would “pester” her for hours for sex.

Dickson forced himself on the woman time and time again – even when she was in pain because she had been in hospital and had stitches.

The fourth of Dickson’s victims was attacked with a mobile phone. She recalled feeling “controlled” and being “forced to tell lies to the police”.

Detective Inspector David Cockburn, of Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Taskforce, praised the women for coming forward.

He added: “Dickson terrorised his victims, subjecting them to horrific levels of violence and abuse.

“It is their courage in coming forward that has brought us here and this sentence is a recognition of the horrific ordeals they experienced.

“It should also serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they will get away with domestic abuse.

“Police Scotland will not tolerate domestic abuse. We will always investigate and we will proactively pursue all avenues to bring abusers to justice.”

Dickson will be monitored for four years following his release.