A rapist who subjected two women to a series of sickening physical and sexual attacks caused them “considerable harm and distress”, a judge has told him.
First-time offender Jamie Ironside maintained his innocence even as he was being sentenced to four years in prison.
Judge Lord Sandison also placed the 38-year-old on the Sex Offenders Register.
The High Court in Inverness had previously heard how Ironside preyed on his victims at addresses in the Highland capital, where he lived.
He was later convicted for crimes against one victim between January 2006 and February 2012 and targeting a second woman in 2012.
Ironside indecently assaulted the first victim, the court was told.
And jurors heard how he physically assaulted his second victim by throwing a mobile phone at the woman, pushing her onto the ground, choking her and later raping her.
Maintained his innocence
Judge Lord Sandison had deferred sentence to the High Court in Edinburgh for reports.
On Monday, defence counsel Bert Kerrigan QC told Lord Sandison that his client still maintained his innocence.
Mr Kerrigan also said his client had been of good character in recent years.
He added: “Mr Ironside has not came to the attention of the authorities since the offences were committed and there’s no suggestion of any further impropriety.”
Lord Sandison gave Ironside three years for the indecent assault and four years for the assault and rape on the second woman.
He said both sentences would run concurrently.
‘Minimal risk of reoffending’
Passing sentence, Lord Sandison added: “I take into account that you are a first offender. I have also taken into account that you have been assessed of being at minimal risk of further reoffending.
“I have also taken into account everything that has been said on your behalf by your counsel Mr Kerrigan.
“However, your actions caused considerable harm and distress to your victims.  The jail terms will run concurrently.”
Ironside was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
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