Aberdeen man jailed after breaking into couple's home and threatening them at knifepoint

An Aberdeen man who broke into a couple's home, threatened them with blades and forced them to perform sexual acts has been jailed.

Matthew Maltman, known as Matthew Whyte, was given a lifelong restriction order at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday with a minimum punishment term of five years and three months.

The 32-year-old, who was not known to his victims, had previously admitted entering a flat in the north of Aberdeen in April 2018 and threatening a man and woman with knives.

He coerced them to engage in sexual acts and then took the man to cash machines and demanded he withdraw money.

In his sentencing statement, which was later published online, judge Graham Buchanan said: “Your conduct towards your victims, young students who were complete strangers to you, in their own home, was utterly appalling.

“You entered their flat uninvited in the middle of the night, armed yourself with knives taken from the kitchen and subjected them over a significant period of time to a terrifying and humiliating ordeal which included presenting those knives at them, threatening to kill them, detaining them against their will within the property, robbing them and forcing them to engage in sexual activity with each other.

“The psychological consequences of your actions for them are likely to be severe and long-lasting.

“In relation to the sexual coercion aspect of your behaviour, I am satisfied that that was motivated less by a desire to achieve sexual gratification than a cruel and wicked intention to control, humiliate and degrade your victims.”

Maltman, of Aberdeen, also pleaded guilty to assaulting three police officers during his arrest.

The court was told he has a history of violence, with numerous previous convictions.

Procurator fiscal Kenny Donnelly said: “Matthew Maltman inflicted a terrifying and unprovoked attack upon a couple who were strangers to him.

“Throughout their ordeal, and the subsequent prosecution process, his victims have shown great bravery and determination.

“Matthew Maltman is a serial violent offender and the sentence imposed upon him today reflects the seriousness of the offences he committed.

“He will only be released from custody when he no longer poses a risk to the public.”

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