A rapist who preyed on two university students in Dundee during a catalogue of sexual offending and abusive behaviour was jailed for eight-and-a-half years.
Fraser Barclay, 25, committed his first rape attack on a victim when he was 18 after the woman fell asleep and was incapable of consenting.
Barclay went on to subject a second student to a prolonged period of abuse when he used violence, repeatedly punched her, put a pillow over her face and pinned her against a wall as he gripped her by the throat.
He exerted control over her finances and the food she ate and isolated her from friends and family.
Barclay, formerly of Bellfield Avenue, Dundee, also subjected her to repeated rapes and sexual assaults at addresses in the city.
He had denied a series of charges during an earlier trial but was found guilty of seven offences – four of rape, two of sexual assault and one of abusive behaviour.
‘Significant impact’ on victims
The offences took place between September 2018 and April 2021, mainly in Dundee but sometimes at locations in England.
Sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Renucci said he recognised Barclay was considerably younger when the offending took place and he has not come to the attention of the authorities in the intervening period.
He said: “There is no alternative to a significant custodial sentence having regard to the serious nature of the offences.”
Lord Renucci said he had regard to victim impact statements and told Barclay: “It is clear your behaviour has had a significant and enduring impact on both complainers.”
The judge ordered the sex offender be under supervision for a further two-year period in the community following his jail sentence as an added public protection measure.
During that period, Barclay will be on licence and can be returned to jail if he breaches its conditions.
Advocate depute Eilidh Robertson, for the Crown, asked the judge to make non-harassment orders and Lord Renucci has prohibited Barclay from approaching or contacting the women or attempting to do so for an indefinite period.
Medium risk of re-offending
Defence solicitor advocate Iain Paterson KC said a risk assessment carried out on Barclay assessed him as posing a medium risk.
He said: “The offences took place when he was a relatively young man some years ago.”
He told the court Barclay has some physical health problems and mental health issues but was a clever man.
He said: “He has absolutely no intention of getting himself into any form of trouble in future.”
Barclay, who followed the sentencing proceedings via a TV link to prison, was placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
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