A north-east man has been jailed for more than eight years for a string of assaults on women.
Alec Cowie was found guilty of a catalogue of assaults in Aberdeenshire, spanning a 20 year period.
It comes after a “complex” and time-consuming inquiry by police, who last night described the 45-year-old as a “violent and controlling individual”.
Yesterday the 45-year-old was jailed for eight years and three months when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Detective Constable Martin Robertson last night welcomed the sentence.
He said: “Cowie is a violent and controlling individual who has committed a catalogue of serious offences against females over a number of years.
“It is due to the bravery of Cowie’s victims in coming forward, speaking to our officers and then giving evidence during the trial that his abuse has come to an end.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the strength and character shown by the victims, and also thank those who have supported them at this time. Hopefully the convictions and sentencing will provide some form of closure for them.”
He also thanked the inquiry team who brought Cowie to justice.
He added: “Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and we hope that the sentencing sends out the message that such conduct will absolutely not be tolerated in our communities.”