STEWART HARDING

Stuart Harding was found guilty of 12 charges on 5 February 2025 following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The 35-year-old's offending involved five victims and took place at various locations on Orkney over an almost nine-year period.

He was convicted of raping three women, including on occasions where two of the victims were asleep and unable to consent.

The court also heard how Harding first contacted and began talking to one child victim, who was under the age of 13, on Snapchat.

He later drove her to a secluded location where he attempted to rape her in the back of his van.

Harding continued to abuse the girl over several years, repeatedly engaging in unlawful sexual activity with her.

A second girl, who was under the age of 16 at the time, was also sexually abused by Harding in his vehicle.

He was further convicted of behaving in an abusive manner by threatening to kill himself in 2015.

On 5 March 2025, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Harding was jailed for 15 years.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Non-harassment orders, banning Harding from contacting or attempting to contact two victims, were also granted for a 20-year period.

Katrina Parkes, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Stuart Harding is a manipulative sexual predator who moved from victim to victim.

“His serial offending is likely to have inflicted unimaginable trauma and those affected must be commended for sharing their experiences.

“Their bravery has ensured that Harding has now been held accountable while also protecting other women and girls from his depraved behaviour.

“I would urge any victim of similar crime to report it.

You will be listened to and supported as we use every tool available in seeking justice.”