A ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ style crook who repeatedly raped and physically assaulted two women has been jailed for eight years.
Michael Stuart, 27, preyed on the two females, who cannot be named for legal reasons, over a five and a half year period at addresses in Inverness and Kirkcaldy, Fife.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Stuart started physically abusing his first victim in November 2006.
He then repeatedly raped her on various occasions between March 2007 and December 2007.
In October 2008, Stuart assaulted another woman. He continued to attack her until May 2012.
Stuart, who has previous convictions for assault and abduction, then raped her sometime between November 1 2011 and December 31 2011.
He was convicted following a week long trial before judge Lady Scott.
Stuart, of Burntisland, Fife, had denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Jurors returned guilty verdicts to five charges of rape and assault after three hours of deliberations.
During proceedings, prosecution lawyer Mark McGuire told jurors how Stuart started abusing his first victim in Inverness when she was a 17-year-old expectant mum in November 2006.
Mr McGuire told the court how Stuart seized her by the throat, held her against a wall and repeatedly punched and kicked her on the body during the attacks.
On one occasion, the court heard how Stuart used a knife to cut the woman’s clothing. He also called her derogatory names.
She had begged him to stop raping her but instead he covered her mouth with his hand and also punched her on the stomach.
The court also heard from Stuart’s second victim who was 18-years-old when she met him.
She said Stuart could be charming then angry within a few short moments.
Making reference to the book written by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, the woman added: “He was like Jekyll and Hyde.”
The woman also described the occasion when Stuart raped her whilst she slept.
Following conviction, Mr McGuire told Lady Scott that Stuart had convictions for violence, abduction and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Lady Scott had adjourned sentence for the court to obtain reports.
