Liam Scott, a 28-year-old from Walkerburn in the Scottish Borders, has been sentenced to a decade in prison following his conviction on five counts of rape committed between 2015 and 2019. The High Court in Edinburgh heard evidence that Scott subjected three women to sexual violence, exploiting them when they were asleep, in physical pain, or too exhausted to resist his advances.
During the sentencing hearing, Lord Harrower emphasised that Scott had demonstrated a consistent pattern of prioritising his own sexual gratification while showing complete disregard for his victims' wellbeing. The judge noted that the offences were characterised by intimidation, aggression, and physical violence, with the severity of these accompanying behaviours intensifying when Scott had consumed alcohol or drugs.
According to local reporting, sentencing was deferred until 16 September 2026 to allow the court to obtain comprehensive background reports, and Scott was remanded in custody during this period. The case was called again in Edinburgh before the sentence was ultimately imposed.
Patterns of abuse and control
Lord Harrower identified three recurring themes throughout Scott's offending.
The first is that the abuse was carried out against a background of intimidation and aggressive behaviour, punctuated by acts of physical violence. Second, the intimidation that aggression would become worse following your consumption of drink or drugs. And third, you consistently prioritised your own sexual gratification over any concern for the wellbeing of these women.
The judge elaborated on how Scott exploited his victims' vulnerability in different circumstances.
Whether that involved taking advantage of them, when they were asleep, insisting on sex while they were in pain, or pestering them for sex, when they were exhausted and unable to resist.
One victim was attacked while asleep, while another was subjected to sexual assault during periods when she was experiencing physical pain. According to court reporting, Scott was also convicted of raping a third woman at houses in Galashiels on various occasions between March 2018 and October 2019.
Impact on victims
Lord Harrower took into account victim impact statements submitted to the court, which documented the lasting consequences of Scott's actions.
These statements speak to the continuing trauma experienced by your victims, long after their relationship with you ended.
The judge's remarks underscored that the harm inflicted extended far beyond the immediate assaults, with survivors continuing to experience psychological distress months and years after the attacks ceased.
Defence and trial outcome
Throughout the trial, Scott maintained his innocence and denied all allegations. His defence solicitor advocate, Iain McSporran KC, presented arguments to the court regarding Scott's background, stating that
He has had adverse childhood experiences which must have had an impact on his development.
However, the jury rejected Scott's denials, and he was convicted earlier in the year on all charges brought against him.
Sentencing and ongoing restrictions
In addition to the 10-year custodial sentence, Lord Harrower imposed several measures designed to protect the public and monitor Scott's behaviour following his release. Scott was placed on the sex offenders register and will be subject to supervision by authorities for three years after his release from prison. He was also issued with a lifelong order prohibiting him from harassing or contacting his victims.
These restrictions reflect the severity of his offences and the court's assessment of the ongoing risk he poses to women.
What happens next
According to Scottish court guidance, criminal cases can be appealed against conviction or sentence following a guilty verdict, though permission must first be granted before any appeal hearing can proceed. The Crown also retains the right to appeal a sentence if it believes the term imposed is too lenient, subject to the same appeal process requirements.
Key Facts:
- Scott was convicted of five counts of rape committed between 2015 and 2019 against three women
- The offences involved exploitation of victims when they were asleep, in pain, or exhausted
- In addition to imprisonment, Scott faces lifelong contact restrictions and three years of post-release supervision
- Victim impact statements documented continuing psychological trauma experienced by the survivors
