Rapist who burned woman with cigarettes, gas canisters and candle wax jailed for 11 years

A scrap metal firm boss who tortured and raped a woman has been jailed for 11 years.

Russell Gray preyed on his victim including burning her with cigarettes, gas canisters and candle wax.

The 63 year-old was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.

He had earlier been found guilty of rape and engaging in a course of abusive behaviour following a trial in Livingston.

The crimes occurred in a number of places including St Andrews in Fife and Dundee.

He had claimed the victim had lied about him to get money.

Judge William Gallacher jailed Gray and also imposed an indefinite non-harassment order banning him from contacting the woman.

Gray claimed during his trial that any sexual contact was consensual.

But, the woman once confronted Gray insisting on five occasions she had been awoken by him having sex with her.

Detective Constable Alli Brown of the Divisional Rape Investigation Unit said: “Russell Gray is an abusive and violent individual who took advantage of a vulnerable female, showing no remorse for his actions.

“This was a complex and extremely disturbing case and I welcome the courts findings. We understand how distressing this has been for the victim and her family and commend them for the courage they had in reporting these crimes. We hope that the guilty findings provide some level of closure, knowing that he has been held accountable for his horrific actions.

“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse, you are not alone, and we would encourage you to report it to us, no matter the passage of time. You will be listened to and supported throughout the entire process by officers and our partner agencies, and together we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”