Police in Orkney have welcomed an 11 year jail sentence for an island man convicted of a catalogue of sexual crimes.
Vincent Baker, 44, was found guilty of seven charges after a jury trial.
Offences include two counts of rape, three indecent assaults, one sexual assault and one attempted rape.
Some of his offences, which took place between 2003 and 2010, involved young children.
He was recently jailed at Glasgow High Court and placed on the sex offenders registers.
Detective Inspector Scott Macdonald said: “This case came to light following an initial report from one of the victims, which then led to further victims being identified and an 18-month-long inquiry carried out by the local criminal investigation department and uniformed officers based on Orkney.
“The courage shown from the victims in this case should be commended; the perseverance and resilience shown by the victims being required to travel to and from Aberdeen on a number of occasions to give their evidence has undoubtedly assisted in the conviction of Vincent Baker.
“We recognise that victims of crime undergo distressing experiences and we hope that this sentence received by Vincent Baker can give them some comfort and a sense of justice.
“It is hoped that this conviction should give other victims of such sensitive crimes the confidence to come forward safe in the knowledge that their case will be investigated sensitively and thoroughly.”
Area Commander for Orkney, Chief Inspector Les Donaldson said: “As part of Police Scotland, the Orkney Command Area will continue to pursue anyone engaged in the perpetration of sexual offences against vulnerable victims, utilising the support of specialist teams, as we focus on keeping people safe.”
