Rapist claimed women he sexually assaulted 'launched conspiracy against him'

A businessman has been jailed after being found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting two women over a three-year period.

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A jury heard evidence about how, on one occasion, he sexually assaulted the woman after she had withdrawn consent.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

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

He had denied any wrongdoing.

During proceedings, Houston denied being responsible for offences. When he was asked that 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.

She added: “There are three previous convictions for minor road traffic offences which are not relevant to the present indictment.

“There are also offences which are relevant – there is a conviction from 2011 for assault to injury which resulted in a fine.

“There is also a conviction from 2015 for a breach of the peace which also resulted in a fine.”

Defence advocate Jonathan Crowe told judge Jackson that his client hadn’t been to prison before so the court had to call for a report into Houston’s background.

He added: “I have been instructed to seek bail. He is a business owner and he has a number of loose ends to tie up.”

Mr Crowe said he told his client that he would ultimately be given a prison sentence for his offending.

He added: “There is only one sentence which can be imposed in the circumstances and that will be a sentence of imprisonment.”

Judge Jackson told Houston that he was going to defer sentence to obtain a report.

He added: “Your status has changed. You will be remanded in custody.”

Houston will be sentenced at the High Court in Ednburgh on September 15, 2026.