Rapist branded 'pure evil' who sexually abused young girls while babysitting jailed for six years

A serial sex attacker branded “pure evil” has been jailed for six years.

Ian Dunlop preyed on three young girls during a lengthy campaign of abuse.

The now 61-year-old, who began sexually abusing the girls when he was just 12, was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.

Dunlop, targeted the victims in the Ayrshire area over a five-year period after being asked to babysit the three children.

He was found guilty of multiple historic sexual offence charges in May 28, 2024 following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

Dunlop, of Troon, had earlier been convicted of a total of six charges at an earlier trial.

He was found guilty of raping each victim as well as lewd and libidinous behaviour towards the youngsters.

The crimes occurred between 1975 and 1980 in Ayrshire.

Judge Douglas Brown told Dunlop that the first victim was abused so often “she lost count”.

He added: “It was so frequent that she came to regard it as normal. You kept telling her it was a secret.

“The lasting impact on her is obvious. She could barely bring herself to say your name in evidence and was in tears.

“She says that you wrecked her life.”

The hearing was told the second victim has also been left badly traumatised.

Judge Brown said: “The enduring impact on her again is obvious from her distress.

“She described you as ‘pure evil’ and has explained the devastating effect your behaviour has had on her, stating it has changed her life forever.”

The court was told Dunlop had “destroyed” the life of the final rape survivor.

Judge Brown remarked the six-year sentence was lower than what it may have been.

He pointed to a number of factors, including Dunlop’s age at the time, the nearly 45 years since the crimes were committed and that he had not re-offended, as well as the rapist’s current ill-health.

Dunlop was placed on the sex offenders list indefinitely.

He has also been banned from approaching or contacting any of the victims.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes said: “Ian Dunlop posed a danger to young girls over the course of several years and exploited his position of trust in the worst possible way.  

“The trauma these victims suffered was at the forefront of our minds while working to secure this conviction. 

“It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Dunlop’s offending that he has been brought to justice. They should be commended for their bravery and courage. 

“We would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to come forward – regardless of how much time has passed.  

“You will be listened to and we will seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”