Peterhead man jailed over campaign of abuse against women

A former fisherman who carried out a 28-year campaign of abuse against four women has been jailed for 12 years.

Brian Gillies, 60, raped two of his terrified victims.

He was convicted of 12 charges - including rape and assault - following a trial in Aberdeen.

The crimes were committed between 1989 and 2017 across the north east of the country.

Yesterday, at the High Court in Glasgow first offender Gillies was ordered to be monitored on licence for two years after his release from jail.

Judge Lord Kinclaven told Gillies: “I have to make it clear to you that you cannot behave in this manner.

“There is no alternative to a significant custodial sentence and because of the gravity of the offences and to provide a measure of protection for the public you will be on licence for two years after you are released.”

Lord Kinclaven said that he had impact statements from two of Gillies victims and added: These show the physical, emotional and psychological impact of your offending."

Gilles, of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, was placed on the sex offender register.

Lord Kinclaven decided not to impose an Order for Lifelong Restriction on Gillies after receiving an in-depth risk assessment of the danger he poses to the public.

Gillies' lawyer David Moggach argued that an OLR was “not necessary” and that an extended sentence - involving supervision on his release - was appropriate.

He claimed imposing the suggestion of the strict order was “perhaps over cautious” adding the rapist was not a man who “kept in good health”.

Gillies denied the offences during his trial.

Prosecutor Jim Keegan QC described Gillies as someone who used “fear, violence and force” on women to get his way.

The QC added: “When you look at the evidence, you are left with a picture of a bullying sexual predator that has no regard for the feelings, rights or integrity of his victims.”

Mr Moggach said: “Mr Gillies is married, but separated from his wife. He is registered disabled and was a fisherman in his earlier life.. I would ask the court to take into account his age. He is going to be subjected to monitoring or supervision when he gets released from prison."