PREDATOR WHO ATTACKED THREE WOMEN JAILED
A man convicted of multiple sexual offenses in the Highlands has been sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison.Matthew Blair, aged 30, committed his first assault on June 26, 2022, when he sexually assaulted a woman at a parked car in a rural area near Inverness while she was unable to give consent.
During this incident, Blair placed his hand inside her underwear.
The following month, Blair assaulted a different woman at her home in Inverness, pulling down her clothing and raping her.
On October 29, 2022, he targeted another woman on a street in Inverness, touching her beneath her clothing and molesting her.
The final known attack occurred on January 19, 2024, when Blair assaulted a third woman at her residence, attempting to remove her dress and lower clothing, then pushing her onto a sofa, climbing on top, and repeatedly trying to kiss and touch her.
Two days later, he raped her in Inverness.
During the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Blair denied the charges but was found guilty of the sexual assaults and rapes.
He was previously released on bail a year before these last two incidents.
The sentencing judge, Lord Duthie, ordered Blair to remain under community supervision for an additional three years on licence, with potential recall to prison if he breaches conditions.
Blair was also registered as a sex offender.
