Businessman who raped and sexually assaulted two women jailed for ten years

A businessman who was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting two women has been jailed for ten years.

John Houston, 39, preyed on the women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at locations in Leven, Fife, between July 2020 and September 2023.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how he subjected his first victim to various sexual assaults, including rape.

A jury heard evidence about how, on one occasion, he sexually assaulted the woman after she had withdrawn consent.

Jurors also heard how, on various occasions between December 2022 and October 2023, Houston also raped a woman whilst she slept. He also repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

Police became aware of his crimes and gathered enough evidence to bring him to court.

Houston, of Leven, Fife, was convicted of rape, sexual assault and threatening behaviour charges at the end of a week-long trial in August.

He had denied any wrongdoing.

During proceedings, Houston denied being responsible for offences. When he was asked if both victims told him to stop during sex acts, he replied: “I didn’t hear them once ever say ‘stop’ once.”

He told the court that he “100%” didn’t break the law.

He added: ”I didn’t make anybody do anything.”

He said he was not an aggressive person and would never hurt them. He said he thought there was a conspiracy and that the women spoke to each other.

After the jury returned their verdicts of guilty, prosecutor Fiona Drysdale KC told judge Matt Jackson KC that Houston had previous convictions for minor road traffic offences, assault to injury and breach of the peace.