Violent rapist who began abusing children aged 12 jailed for ten years

A violent rapist who began abusing three young children when he was 12 years old has been jailed.

Alasdair Craig was found guilty of 11 charges – including rape – on July 3 following a trial at the High Court in Kilmarnock.

The 21-year-old targeted his victims across Ayrshire over an eight-year period.

Craig was convicted of multiple sexual offences including causing a child to participate in sexual activity and attempted rape.

He was also found guilty of violently assaulting another child by repeatedly punching him on the body.

Craig attacked an adult woman in 2022 by placing her in a headlock and restricting her breathing, brandishing a pickaxe handle and holding a knife to her neck.

He was found guilty of acting in an abusive manner towards a second child by shouting, swearing, uttering threats of violence and striking a door with a knife.

The child was repeatedly assaulted by Craig who pushed and kicked her on the body, held a knife to her neck and struck her with a vacuum attachment.

Craig was jailed for ten years at the High Court in Glasgow on August 20.

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

Non-harassment orders, banning Craig from contacting or attempting to contact his victims, were granted for a period of 15 years.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes said:  “Alasdair Craig is a serial abuser who has inflicted lasting trauma through his violent and sexually depraved behaviour.  

“It is thanks to the bravery of his victims in speaking to the authorities that prosecutors were able to secure this conviction. 

“Craig will now face the consequences of his actions which I hope brings some comfort to those affected by his horrific abuse.  

“COPFS (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service) 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, ensuring that those responsible are identified and held accountable.” 