Man jailed for historical offences against nine women and girls

A violent serial offender has been jailed for 15 years for a catalogue of historical offences against nine women and girls.

Following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow last month, George West was convicted of 16 charges including rape and indecent assault.

The 55-year-old, from Stranraer, pushed one of his victims down a set of stairs while she was pregnant and held a knife to the neck of another.

West carried out the attacks between 1988 and 2004 at various locations across Dumfries and Galloway.

At the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences Fraser Gibson said: “The jury convicted George West of a catalogue of serious, violent and sexual offences against nine individuals over nearly two decades.

“His actions have devastated the lives of his victims but thanks to their bravery in coming forward to report him he has now been caught and prosecuted.

“I would encourage victims of sexual crimes, whenever they occurred, to come forward and report them in the confidence that they will be treated with professionalism and sensitivity by the police and our expert prosecutors.”