Inverness Man Faces Prison After Repeatedly Raping Woman

An Inverness man who broke into a house before repeatedly raping and attempting to murder the female householder is facing a lengthy prison sentence.

Scott McArthur,30, pounced on the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at an address in Inverness on June 8 2014.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how McArthur climbed up a drainpipe into a property in the Highland capital moments before attacking the woman.

The court heard how McArthur savagely beat his victim before repeatedly sexually assaulting her.

He was arrested by police shortly after the crime and brought into custody.

The story emerged on Monday following a week-long trial at the court. A jury convicted McArthur, a prisoner of HMP Barlinnie, of rape and attempted murder.

He was also convicted of a breach of the peace charge relating to the same and had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During proceedings the court heard how McArthur climbed through a bathroom window before confronting his victim.

Uttering threats of violence and shouting at her, the thug then repeatedly slapped and punched his victim on the head before placing his hand on her mouth during the attack.

Once indoors, McArthur threatened the woman with a knife before assaulting her again.

During evidence, the woman also told defence QC Brian McConnachie how she felt during the attack.

She said: "It was horrible."

McArthur was eventually arrested after police arrived at the property.

He was charged with breach of the peace for his behaviour in the moments leading up to the arrest.

The court heard that McArthur played music loudly, shouted, swore and refused to comply with the police in the moments leading up to his arrest.

The jury in the case delivered their verdict in the case on Monday morning.

Judge Lord Bannatyne deferred sentence on McArthur so the court could obtain reports about his character.

He will be sentenced at the High Court in Aberdeen later this month.