HUGH MCPHEE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR RAPE AND ASSAULT IN SPITTAL AND CAITHNESS

A man identified as Hugh McPhee has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of multiple serious crimes involving two pregnant women. The offences, which spanned over two decades, included rape, assault, and acts of indecency, with the victims subjected to a reign of terror and control by McPhee.

The court heard that McPhee, aged 56 and residing in Spittal, Caithness, committed a particularly violent attack in Wick in 1986, where he forcefully kicked down a bathroom door to assault one of the women. During this assault, he repeatedly kicked and punched her, and even poured tea over her, demonstrating a pattern of violent and degrading behaviour. The court was also informed that his abuse extended to a second victim, beginning when she was still a minor. McPhee’s actions towards her included forcing her to perform sexual acts when she was underage, and later raping her at various locations in Wick and Thurso.

McPhee denied all charges during his trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of nine separate offences, including assault, rape, indecent assault, and other indecent behaviours. The judge, Nigel Morrison QC, sentenced him to ten years in prison, emphasizing that there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence given the gravity of his crimes. Additionally, McPhee was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, reflecting the severity and ongoing risk associated with his offences.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details of McPhee’s conduct. The first victim recounted that he slapped her across the face during an attack at a residence in Wick. The second victim described how McPhee’s abuse began when she was still a teenager, including an incident where he forced her to perform a sexual act. Further assaults involved attempts to push her into a river and over a boat’s handrail, illustrating a pattern of violent and controlling behaviour.

Police Scotland expressed their support for the lengthy sentence. Detective Inspector Muriel Fuller stated, “From the outset of this enquiry it was clear that McPhee had targeted two vulnerable young women. Throughout their respective relationships with him, he terrorised them. They lived a life of fear and dread. Both women describe him as controlling, violent, threatening, and abusive, to the extent that neither wishes to use his name, preferring to refer to him simply as ‘him’ or ‘he’.”

McPhee’s actions have left a lasting impact on his victims, who endured years of fear and suffering. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the commitment of law enforcement to hold offenders accountable for such heinous acts.