Rutherglen man told he could be jailed for life for 'disgraceful' domestic abuse against four women
Craig Harkins put the women through a series of horrific ordeals
A serial domestic abuser who raped and assaulted four women at addresses across Glasgow and west has been told he could face life behind bars.
Craig Harkins was convicted of a total of 16 charges, which included raping one of the women as her children screamed nearby.
Jurors also heard claims Harkins drowned her young son's hamster, blow-dried it before putting the pet back in its cage for the boy to find it.
The 39 year-old thug put three further partners through horrific ordeals.
One was raped, left blistered by bleach and had eye-lashes pulled out.
Another was left concussed while pregnant. Harkins also threatened to video-call footage of him attacking her elderly father.
The final woman was battered amid false claims she had flirted with a hotel waiter.
Harkins could now face a possible life sentence after being convicted of a total of 16 charges following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
This included raping two of the women as well as crimes of assault and threatening behaviour.
Harkins – who was remanded in custody – will return to the dock next month.
The crimes occurred between September 2006 and early 2019.
Addresses listed on the charges included in Glasgow's Castlemilk as well as Rutherglen and East Kilbride, Lanarkshire.
Judge Lady Rae said she was calling for pre-sentencing reports, which could eventually lead to Harkins receiving an Order for Lifelong Restriction.
The judge told him: “It is difficult to find words to describe what you did.
“You treated women disgracefully with no regards for their feelings.
“The term 'domestic abuse' goes nowhere near describing your behaviour.
“Be under no illusion, whatever the sentence, it will be a significant one.”
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