An Aberdeen man who claimed he was a trained killer and a member of a deadly Mexican cartel as he terrorised two students has been given a life sentence.
High on drugs, Matthew Whyte, also known as Maltman, walked into a flat in the city’s Dunbar Street and grabbed knives from the kitchen.
Then, with a blade in each hand and the two others in the waistband of his trousers, he confronted his victims, who were strangers to him.
He forced the man and women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to hand over cash and personal belongings and then ordered them to perform sexual acts on each other.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that during their ordeal Whyte, 34, from Ferrier Gardens, subjected his victims to “a terrifying and humiliating ordeal”.
Judge Graham Buchanan placed Whyte on an Order for Lifelong Restriction – which is the equivalent of a life sentence – because of the danger he poses to the public.
He ordered Whye to serve a minimum of five years and three months, but warned him he may never be released.
Judge Buchanan said: “Your conduct towards your victims who were young students in their flat late at night was utterly appalling.
“The psychological consequences for them are likely to be severe and long-lasting.”
The court heard that as the ordeal continued, Whyte took the male student to a nearby cash machine and made him withdraw cash.
Prosecutor Owen Mullan said: “The accused repeatedly made references to the fact he could kill them if he wished and would carry this out if they did not do as they were told. The accused also said he was in a Mexican cartel.”
Whyte admitted threatening the couple, presenting knives at them and robbing them of £50, a passport, a quantity of tobacco on April 29, 2018.
He also admitted forcing them at knifepoint to take part in sex acts.
Advocate Frances Connor said: “He was significantly under the influence of drugs at the time. The sex offence was out of character for him.”
Whyte, who has a significant criminal record, was placed on the sex offenders register.
Detective Inspector Jackie Knight said: “On the evening of Sunday, 29 April, 2018, Maltman entered a property on Dunbar Street in Aberdeen and subjected the two victims to a series of horrific abuse and violence. His actions were despicable and his guilty plea is testament to the evidence the victims bravely provided.
“Maltman is now facing the consequences of his actions. There is no place for violence in our society and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible for such crimes before the courts.”
