Violent rapist 'terrorised the vulnerable and created atmosphere of fear and dread'

January 24, 2024

A violent rapist who "terrorised the vulnerable" and subjected a woman to a catalogue of abuse has been jailed for 10 and a half years.

Craig Morrison, 62, repeatedly preyed on his victim in Aberdeen between 1982 and 2021.

A court heard how Morrison would throw household items and punch and kick the woman.

During one assault he turned her upside down and struck her head on the floor, resulting in the woman sustaining a fracture to her spine.

During a trial, the victim told jurors: "I would have done anything to stay alive, to take no more hidings, no more rapes."

Morrison had denied a series of charges, but was found guilty of rape, assault, breach of the peace, threatening or abusive behaviour, and breaching bail.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday. Along with the jail sentence, he was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Judge Lady Wise told Morrison: "It was clear that you terrorised her. While the acts of rape eventually ceased, the impact on your victim persisted.

"Eventually, she confronted you in the presence of a witness about those rapes."

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The judge said Morrison's "violent, degrading and controlling behaviour" had "enduring consequences" for the victim and others who were also subjected to his aggression.

Lady Wise stated: "You terrorised the vulnerable and created an atmosphere of fear and dread as to what you would do next."

Defence counsel Drew McKenzie said alcohol was previously a problem for Morrison, but that he had resolved that and stopped drinking.

Lady Wise noted that Morrison continued to deny responsibility for some of the offences and sought to blame the victim for instigating the violence.

The judge added: "By their verdict, the jury clearly rejected that account."

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