A former squaddie has been jailed for repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting a woman.
Ryan MacDonald was found guilty at trial of carrying out horrendous sexual offences upon the woman – including raping her on one occasion in hospital after she’d given birth.
The 31-year-old was found guilty of raping the woman on three occasions between October 2016 and August 2020.
Convicting him on nine changes in total, jurors also found MacDonald guilty of awful sexual and violent assaults upon the woman.
Macdonald – a former British soldier – was additionally convicted of physical assaults on two children, including holding a knife to each of their throats.
Describing MacDonald as having shown no empathy for his victim, Sheriff William Summers jailed the former soldier for more than 12 years.
He also placed him on the sex offenders register for life.
Degrading acts
Of the three rape charges MacDonald was convicted of, two of them took place at an address in Brora while one occurred at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Between October 2015 and August 2020, MacDonald carried out violent and degrading acts upon the woman.
On one of these occasions, the violence culminated in MacDonald raping her.
He also sexually assaulted her at various times, including as she slept.
Defence advocate Graham Robertson KC told the High Court in Aberdeen that his client was aware that he had been convicted by majority verdict on “serious charges”.
“Mr MacDonald is under no illusions that m’lord has a public duty to perform and the basis for that is the evidence and the verdict of the jury,” Mr Robertson said.
“He has a consistent status in that he maintains he’s innocent and does not accept his guilt – although he fully accepts and recognises what the jury has decided.
“The fact that he maintains, and continues to maintain, his complete innocence to a large extent inhibits or limits the appropriate sentencing options.
“He does recognise that the court will be looking at a significant custodial sentence.”
‘Courage’ of victim recognised
Judge William Summers told MacDonald that the evidence showed that he perpetrated acts of violence and sexual violence upon “a vulnerable woman”.
“Unsurprisingly, what you did to her has had life-changing consequences that she may never recover from,” he said.
“I recognise the courage and strength of this woman, who was prepared to give evidence to ensure that justice was done.
“My impression from watching her give evidence is that she is resilient, and it is hoped that she can move on and that these offences do not come to define her.
“It is of concern but unsurprising that you continue to deny responsibility for the commission of these offences.
“You have shown no victim empathy and have no insight into the harm that your offending has caused.”
Judge Summers jailed MacDonald, of Cairnview Road, Aviemore, for 12 years and six months and placed him on the sex offenders register for life.
He also put a non-harassment order in place, meaning MacDonald cannot approach his victim for life.
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