“Good fathers do not rape, stalk or sexually assault their child’s mother" - Rape Crisis Scotland Chief

The Chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland has criticised a senior judge - after he described a convicted rapist as “a good father”.

James Rees was found guilty on four charges of rape, two of stalking and repeated sexual assaults against two women in Edinburgh and Linlithgow.

Ahead of sentencing on Tuesday, the Crown requested non harassment orders for both of Rees’ victims, and the children from those relationships.

Judge Lord Mulholland though, said the court had heard no evidence to justify orders relating to the children, going as far as to say the 37 year old “was a good father”.

“Good fathers do not rape, stalk or sexually assault their child’s mother"

Sandy Brindley is Chief Executive at Rape Crisis Scotland - she’s described the Judge’s comments as “worrying”, saying it demonstrates that more needs to be done on understanding how child contact can be tied up in abuse:

“These are extremely serious offences that this man has been found guilty of, and it’s welcome I think, to see a Judge recognising coercive control and manipulative behaviour, but I think one aspect of this case that is worrying is a lack of recognition of how controlling and abusive men can use children in this context”

"We need to do far more to raise awareness of the links between the abuse of women and the treatment of children and how child contact can be used to perpetuate abuse"

“Good fathers do not rape, stalk or sexually assault their child’s mother. I think what this case demonstrates, is that we need to do far more to raise awareness of the links between the abuse of women and the treatment of children and how child contact can be used to perpetuate abuse, including when someone’s in prison, and I think it is disappointing to see a non harassment order not being granted in this case.”

In September a jury heard how James Rees made one of his partners agree to a written contract setting out her responsibilities within the relationship, including provision of sexual favours on demand.

The 37 year old told the trial at the High Court in Livingston that he was unaware of the harm inflicted by his abusive and controlling behaviour, which included tracking them using their mobile phones, demanding photographic proof of where they were, even telling one he was a “psychopath” who could kill her - something he told the jury was “dark humour”.

James Rees - originally from Lougher, in the South of Wales - was given an extended sentence of 12 years, of which he’s expected to spend at least 9 in jail.

Non harassment orders were granted for both of Rees’ victims.