Woman's testimony from beyond the grave helps to convict 'despicable' rapist

A "despicable" rapist has been brought to justice and jailed for 10 years in part thanks to a woman's testimony from beyond the grave.

Steven Connery, 41, repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted two women in the Forth Valley and Tayside areas. Judge Douglas Brown said Connery's first victim was left "so shocked that she couldn't speak" following a painful attack in a bathroom while she was getting ready for a night out.

A court heard how the second woman was also left in "agony" after a sex assault. Connery was arrested in 2022 after his past crimes were brought to the attention of Police Scotland.

His second victim died before a trial was held at the High Court in Glasgow, but her evidence was read out in the form of a statement by one of the investigating officers. Connery denied any wrongdoing but was in March found guilty of four charges.

He returned to the dock on Wednesday and was handed a 13-year extended sentence, with 10 years in jail and three years on licence once released back into the community. Judge Brown said: "It is almost inevitable that offences of this nature will cause substantial harm and in relation to the second complainer, who has since died, it is clear from a victim impact statement submitted by her sister that your behaviour had a massive impact not only on her but also on her family." Read more from Sky News:TikTok influencer shot dead during livestreamPolice fear mum might abandon fourth baby but close in on her location It was noted that Connery was "still reasonably young" at the time of some of his offending, but the judge added: "Though there is little to indicate that a lack of maturity was a significant factor." Connery was additionally placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and banned from contacting the woman who is still alive.

Detective Sergeant Khalid Abdulrahman said: "Although one of Connery's victims passed away, it was right that her evidence was heard in court through the reading of statements. "I hope this sentencing brings some comfort to both her family and the other victim in this case.

"Our thoughts remain with them, as without their information Connery wouldn't have been held accountable for his despicable actions.".