Kilmarnock man will ‘pay the price’ for crimes against women, says judge
45-year-old Steven Sprott was convicted of physically abusing two partners aged 47 and 48 in the town.
A rapist and domestic abuser from Kilmarnock was told by a judge that he would ‘pay the price’ for his crimes against women.
Lord Mulholland made the comment at the High Court in Glasgow after 45-year-old Steven Sprott was convicted of physically abusing two partners aged 47 and 48. He was also found guilty of raping the 48-year-old.
The court heard that at first Sprott was lovely and charming to the women, but quickly became a violent monster.
Lord Mulholland told Sprott: “You moved from one partner to the next. It was like Groundhog Day.
“Women are not objects to be abused by you. Women are there to be cherished and loved, not to be intimidated by your controlling behaviour. You will pay the price for this.”
The offences took place between 1996 and 2005 at various addresses in Kilmarnock.
The court heard that Sprott's two victims were terrified of him and his explosive moods.
The 47-year-old spoke of being timed when she went out the house for messages or to visit family or friends.
She told prosecutor Peter Ferguson: “I used to run back from the bus stop because if I was even five minutes late there would be trouble.”
Sprott would explode in rage if his tea wasn’t ready on time or if the women had annoyed him. Both spoke of walking on eggshells all the time.
The jury heard that he dragged the 47-year-old woman around the house by her hair, punched and slapped her and nipped her.
Sprott also threw plates of food at her and bit her on the body. He would also smash up furniture, windows and punch and kick walls.
The 48-year-old told of how Sprott would grab her by the hair and pull her around, throw food at her and kick and punch her on the head and body. On one occasion he put a knife to her throat.
He also smashed windows, a television, a stereo, a mirror, a cooker, cups, plates and cupboard doors and ripped up her clothing and underwear.
Sprott also raped her on various occasions between 2003 and 2005.
The jury also heard evidence from a 44-year-old woman from England who claimed that Sprott raped her and smashed up her home in Blackpool, assaulted her and repeatedly threatened her with violence.
Her evidence was only used to corroborate the Scottish offences and the jury could not return verdicts on the alleged offences.
Sprott denied all the charges against him and claimed when he gave evidence that the women were making it all up.
When asked by Mr Ferguson: “Do you think it is a disgraceful thing to raise your hands to women,”
Sprott replied: “Yes.”
He was placed on the sex offenders' register and will be sentenced next month.