Ayrshire rapist who tried to drown partner jailed for eight years
He was also placed on the sex offenders register
A controlling and violent domestic abuser has been jailed following a catalogue of sexual and physical abuse.
Steven Ramage targeted his victim at various addresses in Ayrshire - including Troon and Ayr - between May 2014 and January 2020.
The 38-year-old, from Tarbolton, was found guilty of raping his former partner on various occasions over a five-year period, including while she was asleep.
He would choke her until she became unconscious before subjecting her to serious sexual assaults, to her injury and danger of life.
Ramage also held her head under water whilst she was bathing before raping her on a different occasion.
He punched, kicked and attempted to choke her on multiple occasions as well as stabbing her on the leg with a knife.
He controlled her finances, taking possession of her bank card, passport and driving licence and prevented her from leaving the home unless accompanied by him.
Ramage then repeatedly contacted his victim by text, telephone call and online messaging platforms, telling her not to report his behaviour to the police and to withdraw her allegations.
The accused also breached strict bail conditions forbidding him from contacting his victim in January 2020.
He was found guilty of eight charges following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow on May 21.
On June 24, 2024, Ramage was given an 11-year extended sentence with eight years' imprisonment.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
A non-harassment order was also granted, banning Ramage from contacting or attempting to contact his victim.
Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes said:
“Steven Ramage is a controlling and violent individual who subjected his victim to unimaginable levels of abuse and trauma while showing a complete and callous disregard for her safety.
“He will now have to face the consequences of his horrific actions. This conviction was only made possible thanks to the bravery of his victim for reporting the abuse.
“I hope this brings her some comfort and a sense of justice, knowing she has been heard and believed.
“We urge any victim of similar offending to come forward, report it and seek help.
“You will be taken seriously, listened to, and we will use all the tools available to us to pursue justice.”