Kevin Vivers found guilty of rape and animal abuse to be sentenced at Edinburgh High Court

A man responsible for a catalogue of rapes, sexual assaults and animal cruelty offences spanning 20 years is due to be sentenced on Thursday.

Kevin Vivers, 56, was found guilty of 27 charges including rapes, sexual assaults and physical abuse of seven women between 1985 and 2020 at the High Court in Livingston in November 2022.

Vivers, who has been placed on the sex offenders register, is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday morning.

Police Scotland’s detective chief inspector Steven McMillan said of the conviction that he hoped it would “bring some comfort to his victims and their families.”

The statement read: “This conviction has only been possible due to the bravery and courage of those who came forward to report this horrific abuse and I commend and thank them for speaking out.

“This was a particularly difficult case due to the horrendous nature of Vivers’ crimes and the sickening animal abuse, which spanned several decades.

“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing or has experienced abuse to come forward and report it to police.

“All reports of abuse and sexual assaults, regardless of the passage of time, will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland and victims will be supported throughout.”

Anyone who wishes to report a crime can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.