AYRSHIRE MAN JAILED FOR 12 YEARS FOR RAPES AND VIOLENT ATTACKS

Steven McKnight, aged 43, was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow for a series of heinous crimes including raping two victims. The offences took place across North and South Ayrshire between 2010 and 2022. McKnight's initial attack involved threatening a woman with a knife, hounding her through phone and social media, and subjecting her to physical assaults such as throwing darts at her, pushing her down stairs, and burning her face with a cigarette. He also left her scarred for life and further attacked her with a baseball bat and a dog lead. Jurors heard that McKnight sexually assaulted and raped her at a house, and during the trial, he was convicted of 11 charges, including assaults, rape, and threats towards her.

Another woman was raped and physically assaulted by McKnight. He monitored her movements, mocked her appearance, and tried to isolate her from her family. A third victim was left in fear after he shouted offensive remarks at her while holding a sledgehammer. The final victim endured criticism of her home, aggressive behaviour, and property damage from McKnight. Prosecutors also revealed that he grabbed a dog by the throat and kicked the animal.

McKnight was found guilty of crimes encompassing threats, abusive behaviour, sexual assault, and violence. He was convicted of threats to a child and other offences related to abusive conduct concerning the victims. As part of his sentence, Lord Colbeck ordered that he be supervised for an additional five years after release. He has been sentenced to 12 years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow.