iStockA rapist who attacked his victim so severely that he put her life at risk has been jailed for seven years.
Declan Gaitens, 23, preyed on the woman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, before attacking her at locations in Motherwell between October 2022 and April 2024.
A high court jury heard how Gaitens repeatedly demanded the woman have sex with him before slapping her face and seizing her on the body.
Gaitens, also of Motherwell, then sat on her, removed her clothing and underwear, and had sexual intercourse with her without obtaining consent.
The High Court in Edinburgh also heard that Gaitens placed a pillow on the woman’s face and restricted her breathing. He struck her with a knife and assaulted her so severely that her life was endangered.
The woman spoke to police officers who managed to gather enough evidence to bring Gaitens to justice.
The court heard the woman has been left traumatised by her ordeal.
Gaitens appeared for sentencing in the Scottish capital before judge Lord Harrower.
He had earlier been convicted of sexual assault and abuse charges and sentence was deferred for the court to obtain background reports.
At earlier proceedings, the court heard how Gaitens also kicked the woman on the body and struck her with a knife.
Defence solicitor advocate Marco Guarino told the court that his client had developmental issues.
Mr Guarino added: “This is a young man who has developed more slowly than his peers.
“He is much younger than his actual age of 23. He is unable to self-regulate.”
Passing sentence, Lord Harrower told Gaitens that he’d be supervised by the authorities for four years following his release from custody.
Lord Harrower added: “On one occasion, you repeatedly demanded that she have sexual intercourse with you, and when she refused, you raped her, leaving her feeling numb, disgusted and isolated.
“The victim impact statement I have received bears witness to the lasting impact of the physical and psychological harm you inflicted on the complainer.
“I have taken account of everything said by Mr Guarino, and in the psychological report submitted on your behalf.
“It is clear that only a significant custodial sentence is appropriate in your case, and you should take advantage of whatever courses will be made available to you in prison.”
Lord Harrower also placed Gaitens on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.
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