Serial rapist who attacked five vulnerable women in Dundee at knifepoint jailed

A serial attacker who held multiple sex workers at knife point in rape attacks in Dundee has been jailed for 14 years.

Alexander Steven, 52, attacked five women in Dundee between October 2020 and October 2022.

A judge at the High Court in Edinburgh told Steven that he conducted “an appalling campaign of sexual violence” against vulnerable women.

Judge Norman McFadyen told jurors: “This has been a particularly troublesome case and I appreciate you have had to listen to, and indeed watch, distressing evidence.”

Steven had denied a series of charges during his trial but was unanimously convicted of six crimes by the jury in August 2025 and found guilty of a seventh by a majority verdict. He was found guilty of five rape charges and a further two of sexual assault with intent to rape.

The court heard that during the police investigation into Steven’s crimes, officers searched his then-home in Dundee on April 19, 2023 and recovered laptop computers.

On the same day police also executed a search warrant at his place of work at Bonar House at the fee-paying High School of Dundee and found an iPhone at the back of his desk drawer.

CCTV image showing Steven entering a block of flats in Dundee COPFS

The court heard he attempted to disguise his appearance by wearing a hat and a mask.

After gaining entry to the victims’ homes, he then checked other rooms to ensure they were alone before attacking the women.

His pattern of attacks was demonstrated at the trial through witness testimony, CCTV images, text message exchanges and DNA evidence.

On 16 March, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Steven was given an 18-year extended sentence with 14 years in custody.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Non-harassment orders banning Steven from contacting or attempting to contact the five victims were also granted indefinitely.

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Alexander Steven’s depraved actions have no place in society. He subjected these women to truly harrowing ordeals while showing a complete disregard for their safety and welfare.

“These victims were particularly vulnerable, and he exploited that, knowing there was little they could do to protect themselves as he threatened them with weapons.

“We are very grateful to those who provided vital evidence for this prosecution and hope it brings some comfort to the victims that he has now been held accountable.

“Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to take action against people who harm women, while supporting those affected through the prosecution process.”