JAMES GUNN FROM THURSO SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR DECADES OF RAPE AND BRUTAL ASSAULTS IN CAITHNESS

A man described as 'heartless and wicked' has been sentenced to nine years in prison after a lengthy and disturbing history of sexual and physical abuse spanning over three and a half decades. James Gunn, a resident of Thurso, was found guilty of heinous crimes committed against two women at various locations across Caithness from July 1980 through August 2015.

Gunn’s criminal actions included two separate incidents of rape and multiple assaults, which he carried out over a period that stretched from the early 1980s to the mid-2010s. The victims, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of Gunn, who showed a blatant disregard for their well-being and safety.

The first victim was assaulted between July 4, 1980, and May 1992. During this time, Gunn not only raped her but also subjected her to numerous beatings, inflicting physical pain and emotional trauma. The court heard that these acts were committed over a prolonged period, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted for years.

The second victim was assaulted on an occasion between October 30, 2002, and November 30, 2010. Additionally, Gunn repeatedly attacked her on various occasions from October 2002 until August 2015. These repeated assaults compounded her suffering, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of control and violence.

Earlier this year, Gunn, aged 54, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of assault. His defense lawyer, Shelagh McCall QC, acknowledged her client’s acceptance of responsibility, stating that Gunn was 'realistic about the disposal in this case.'

During sentencing, Judge Michael O'Grady expressed his strong condemnation of Gunn’s actions. He described Gunn as having a 'brazen contempt for women' and characterized him as 'heartless, wicked, and dangerous.' The judge emphasized that such conduct warranted a lengthy custodial sentence, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed.

Detective Inspector Muriel Fuller of Police Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Task Force commented on the case, condemning Gunn’s controlling, physical, and sexual abuse of his victims. She highlighted the extensive investigation carried out by the police and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to pursuing justice in domestic abuse cases, regardless of how much time has passed. Inspector Fuller expressed hope that the victims could find some measure of closure and strength to move forward with their lives, knowing that justice had been served.