MAN CONVICTED OF SERIES OF SEX CRIMES INCLUDING RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT AT PET SHOP
Paul Patrick, aged 61, was found guilty of 19 separate crimes, including two counts of rape and five of sexual assault.His convictions also include lewd behavior, indecent communications, and bail violations.
Over the course of 2006 to 2023, he targeted two women and four girls.
His initial victim was a girl just 12 years old when he began abusing her at various locations, such as Golspie in Sutherland and Banff.
Another girl was subjected to sexual comments repeatedly at a pet shop from November 2002 to November 2010.
In November 2013, he raped a woman at his pet shop, during which he made sexualized remarks and exposed himself.
He also sent a sexual image and messages to a different girl in Aberdeen.
The most recent offense involved attacking and raping a 14-year-old girl at his business premises in November 2021.
In June 2023, he sexually assaulted a woman in Aboyne.
As a result of his crimes, Patrick has been registered as a sex offender indefinitely and was sentenced to an Order for Lifelong Restriction, with a minimum of eight and a half years in prison before he can be considered for parole.
The High Court in Edinburgh highlighted the profound psychological and emotional damage caused, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of his 14-year-old victim.
An expert report characterized him as suffering from an anti-social, narcissistic, and psychopathic disorder, indicating a high risk to others.
Detective Inspector Kerry McCombie stated that the police continue to support victims and are dedicated to pursuing justice, urging anyone who has experienced abuse to come forward.
