A “depraved sexual predator” has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years for two rapes and two sexual assaults.
Aaron Hunter, 34, preyed on three women in the Clackmannanshire and Stirling areas between 2017 and 2022.
He raped one woman twice, taking advantage of his sleeping victim who had been incapable of giving consent due to the consumption of alcohol.
In his sentencing statement, judge Lord Harrower noted on each occasion the woman “woke up experiencing an intense pain” which could only have been caused by Hunter’s serious sex assaults.
Hunter also physically assaulted the woman in a separate attack, during which he placed his hands around her neck.
He additionally sexually assaulted two other women, which the judge described as “predatory and humiliating”.
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Hunter denied any wrongdoing, but was last month found guilty following a trial at the High Court in Stirling.
He was convicted of five charges, which included two counts of rape and a single charge of assault against one victim and separate charges of sexual assault against two others.
Lord Harrower acknowledged Hunter’s lack of criminal record, positive work history and parental responsibilities, but added: “However, as you will be aware, having regard to your level of culpability and the degree of harm caused, a significant custodial sentence is inevitable.”
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Hunter was handed the seven-and-a-half-year jail term at the High Court in Kilmarnock on Tuesday.
He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and banned from contacting the women.
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Police Scotland Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson said: “Hunter is a sexual predator who now faces the consequences of his depraved actions.
“It can be very difficult to report these types of crimes. I would like to commend his victims for their strength in coming forward to officers.
“Their information was essential in helping us build the case against him and I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure.”
