Serial domestic abuser who raped two women jailed

A serial domestic abuser who raped two women has been jailed for 12 years.

Craig Harkins, 40, was convicted of a catalogue of offences involving four partners.

He raped two of the woman and repeated physically assaulted all four.

The offences took place over more than 12 years between 2006 and 2019.

At the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, judge Lady Rae told Harkins: “The evidence from all the complainers revealed you as a manipulative, violent and controlling man, who would do anything to get his own way.

“It seems to me that, at times, you gained pleasure from abusing your victims. You take no responsibility for the crimes you have committed and thus have expressed no remorse whatsoever.

“You see yourself as the victim. In my view you are a serious risk to women who may enter a relationship with you.”

Lady Rae ordered Harkins to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and to be monitored in the community for five years after his release for prison.

The crimes were committed at various locations including Glasgow’s Castlemilk as well as Rutherglen and East Kilbride, Lanarkshire.

Harkins was initially described by partners as “fun loving” and “charming”.

However, he quickly turned into a violent bully, who controlled the lives of the women.

The first victim told how he sneered at her: “Begging is a sign of weakness.”

Harkins, of Rutherglen, went on to indecently assault and choke her when she refused sex.

In March 2011, Harkins raped the woman in the bathroom at his home.

He later raped another partner and accused her of being “a drama queen”.

He also grabbed a bottle of bleach and “skooshed” it in her face and eyes.

When the woman said she was in “excruciating” pain, Harkins responded: “Look at you – you are just bothered so you can flutter your eyes at the guys.”

Harkins then yanked out her fake eye-lashes.

The victim was left with blisters on her face.

The court heard of other occasions where this victim was left concussed three times – twice when pregnant. She also had a knife held at her throat.

A further girlfriend recalled him being “venomous” during a stay at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow one Hogmanay because he thought she was flirting with a waiter.

He was described as “foaming at the mouth” when he physically assaulted her in the room.

Harkins, who was represented by QC Donald Findlay and appeared via a video link, continues to protest his innocence.