A prominent north-east independence campaigner described as a “bullying sexual predator” has been jailed for 12 years.
Former fisherman Brian Gillies raped two of his terrified victims, and held one of them against her will.
The 60-year-old was convicted of 12 historic charges – including rape and assault – following at trial at the High Court in Aberdeen earlier this year.
And yesterday, he was jailed for 12 years after he was described at Glasgow High Court as someone who used “fear, violence and force” on women to get his way.
Judge Lord Kinclaven also put Gillies, of Peterhead, on licence for two years after his release.
He told him: “I have to make it clear to you that you cannot behave in this manner.
“There is no alternative to a significant custodial sentence and because of the gravity of the offences and to provide a measure of protection for the public you will be on licence for two years after you are released.”
Gillies – who maintained his innocence throughout the trial – abused the women between 1989 and 2017 at various addresses across the north-east.
The jury at the High Court in Aberdeen took just two hours to find him guilty of every offence. In addition to the rapes, Gillies was convicted of detaining one of the women against her will and assaulting her in the early 1990s.
There was another charge of assaulting a woman in the early 1990s, and one of assaulting a woman on “various occasions” between the mid-1990s and 2010.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The P&J newsletter
He was also found guilty of behaving in a disorderly manner by uttering sexual remarks at a woman in Fraserburgh on July 5, 2001.
There was another charge of assaulting a woman in 2007 and three of sexually assaulting women on three different occasions within the past four years.
Yesterday, Lord Kinclaven said that he had impact statements from two of the victims and said: “These show the physical, emotional and psychological impact of your offending.”
However, he was persuaded not to impose a lifelong restriction order after hearing the disabled former fisherman did not pose a high risk to the public.
Defence counsel David Moggach QC argued the order was “not necessary” and that an extended sentence – involving supervision on his release – was appropriate.
He claimed imposing the suggestion of the strict order was “perhaps over cautious” adding the rapist was not a man who “kept in good health”.
Advocate depute Jim Keegan QC described Gillies as someone who used “fear, violence and force” on women to get his way.
He added: “When you look at the evidence, you are left with a picture of a bullying sexual predator that has no regard for the feelings, rights or integrity of his victims.”
Mr Moggach said: “Mr Gillies is married, but separated from his wife. He is registered disabled and was a fisherman in his earlier life. I would ask the court to take into account his age. He is going to be subjected to monitoring or supervision when he gets released from prison.”
Gillies is an active supporter of the SNP, and founded the Facebook page Indy2 (Catalunya Lliure) which has 11,933 members.
His fellow administrators removed him from the page and blocked him as soon as the allegations came to light.
He has also been previously photographed with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former first minister, and Gordon MP, Alex Salmond.
A spokesman for the SNP said Gillies did not appear to be a member of the party.