A serial rapist who attacked three women in Banffshire and Moray and “blighted their lives” has been jailed for seven years.
Edward Moir targeted his victims at various addresses at Macduff and Elgin between 2010 and 2013.
The 23-year-old appeared at the High Court in Aberdeen earlier this year, where he sat through two weeks of harrowing evidence in which the women described their terrifying ordeals.
He was eventually found guilty on October 9 by a jury of carrying out the vicious rapes.
At the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, Moir was sentenced to seven years in prison for what Lord Matthews described as a “very serious series of offences”.
The judge told him that being convicted of three rapes could merit a sentence in double-figures, but that there were certain factors which persuaded him to reduce the jail-term.
Moir will be supervised for a further two years when he is released.
His QC Neil Murray had told the court how Moir was aware how “serious” the charges were.
Last night, one of his victims – who cannot be named for legal reasons – said she was disgusted he had put her and his other victims through the torture of giving evidence when he knew what he had done.
“I was so pleased when he was found guilty,” she said.
“I’m also pleased he has been locked up, but he should have been sentenced to much more.”
Detective Inspector John Swanney, who led the investigation, welcomed the punishment Moir had been handed and commended the brave women who gave evidence.
“Moir has been convicted of the rape of three vulnerable adults. His conduct has blighted the lives of his victims,” he said.
“It is due to the bravery of Moir’s victims in coming forward, speaking to our officers and then giving evidence during the trial, that his abuse has come to an end.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the strength and character shown by the victims and also thank those who have supported them at this time. It is my hope that the convictions and sentencing today will provide some form of closure for them.
“I would also like to thank the team of dedicated officers and staff who worked very hard to bring Edward Moir to justice.
“Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and we hope that the sentencing today sends out the message that such offending will absolutely not be tolerated in our communities.”
