DANGEROUS SEX BEAST IS HANDED SIX YEARS IN JAIL
Hamilton rapist used dating websites to prey on two women
A Hamilton rapist who used internet dating websites to meet his two vulnerable victims has been jailed for six years.
Twenty-seven-year-old Steven Haggerty was given an order for lifelong restriction (OLR) comprising a six-year punishment term.
It means that he will not be released back into the community until the parole board decide he does not pose a risk to people after serving the jail term.
The pervert was convicted earlier this year of sexually assaulting two females, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Shocked jurors heard how Haggerty preyed on his first victim — a 27-year-old woman — in May 2012 at a house in his home town.
Haggerty then sexually assaulted his second victim between December 26 and December 30, 2014. He also raped the female, whose identity also can’t be revealed, on the same dates. The attacks happened at a house close to his first attack.
Following conviction, it emerged that Haggerty was convicted of lewd and libidinous behaviour in October 2005 following High Court proceedings.
The court heard how the pervert’s offending behaviour on that occasion related to children who were aged between 12 to 14. He also had convictions for violence and knife possession.
At the High Court in Edinburgh last week, Lord Pentland told Haggerty that he was to be made the subject of an order for lifelong restriction.
The judge explained that the parole board will assess whether Haggerty still continues to pose a threat to public safety after the
six-year jail term. He added: “It certainly does not signify that you are likely to be released at that stage or indeed ever. That, as I have said, will be for others to decide.
“You have no respect for women and are prepared to resort to violence against them in order to gratify your sexual desires. You have repeatedly offended for the whole of your adult life and have shown that you are unwilling or unable to comply with orders of the court.
“On the basis of the whole spectrum of information available to me, including the circumstances, disclosed at the trial, I am in no doubt that you are a violent and dangerous sexual offender.”
Haggerty was convicted following trial in April. During proceedings, the court heard how Haggerty used internet dating websites to meet his victims.
He became violent to the women after they refused demands for sex. The second woman told the court that after she was raped, Haggerty watched porn on his mobile phone.
Eventually, the police learned of Haggerty’s offending behaviour. They managed to collect enough evidence about his activities and brought him to court.
On Thursday, defence advocate Geoff Forbes told Lord Pentland that his client still maintained he hadn’t done anything wrong.
He told the judge that the circumstances of the offences meant that Haggerty didn’t need to be given an order for lifelong restriction. Lord Pentland disagreed.
Passing sentence, he added: “I formed the strong impression from seeing and hearing both the complainer’s in the witness box that they were each vulnerable individuals.
“The picture which emerges from your criminal record is of a persistent offender who has difficulty in controlling his behaviour. You have a marked propensity to resort to violence.
“I am entirely satisfied that the risk criteria are met and that an order for lifelong restriction is necessary and appropriate to protect the public from serious harm.”
Head of Police Scotland’s domestic abuse taskforce Detective chief inspector Samantha Mccluskey said following sentence: “Steven Haggerty is a dangerous individual who preyed on vulnerable women.
“Following his custodial sentence, he will be monitored by the authorities for the rest of his life.
“He is finally being brought to account for his actions, and I hope that this result brings some form of closure for his victims, who have shown real courage in coming forward and going through this difficult process.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who is, or has experienced domestic abuse, in any form, to come forward and report what has happened. Whether that be reporting to the police or other support services, you will be given the help and support you deserve. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home.”