West Lothian predator jailed for 8 years after carrying out "horrific" sexual attacks on women and girls
John McKechnie previously pled guilty to the crimes - committed between 2015 and 2022
A West Lothian man, 31, has been jailed for at least eight years, after being convicted of multiple violent and "horrific" sexual attacks on women and girls.
John McKechnie previously pled guilty to the crimes - committed between 2015 and 2022.
They included rape, domestic offending and possession of incident images of children.
While passing down sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday, Judge Morris told McKechnie that only a very substantial custodial sentence would be appropriate.
The former warehouse worker showed no emotion, appearing via video link, as he was told he'd spend at least eight years behind bars. He's also been placed on the sex offenders register.
'Complete and utter contempt'
Detective Inspector Adrian Ure, National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Police Scotland said: “John McKechnie’s offending and behaviour was appalling.
"He showed complete and utter contempt for the abuse he inflicted upon his victims, and the horrific sexual abuse featuring in the images and videos he was viewing.
“There is no hiding place for these offenders, and as a result of our investigation, he will now rightly face the consequences of his actions.
"Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and is a priority for Police Scotland.
"We encourage anyone with concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact police immediately.”