Fort William man jailed for filming himself raping young girl

A man from Fort William who filmed himself raping a young girl has been jailed for 12 years.

Matthew James also rigged up hidden cameras to spy on the child during the grooming and abuse.

The 47 year-old later claimed the youngster never said 'no' as he preyed on her.

A woman also suffered repeated physical and sexual violence at his hands.

James was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.

He had been due to stand trial, but instead pled guilty to a total of 12 charges including raping both victims.

The crimes occurred in a number of locations including Gourock in Inverclyde between 2015 and 2022.

James, of Fort William in the Highlands, raped the child which also involved him taking photos and making video recordings of attacks.

He further abused her while she was asleep.

The court heard James even concealed cameras in rooms capturing the unwitting youngster as she was getting dressed.

The woman meantime was the victim of a similar horror ordeal.

This included raping her after forcing her over the bonnet of a car. She was also preyed upon while sleeping.

Judge David Young KC said a background assessment had concluded James was a "dangerous individual" who continued to pose a risk to others.

He told James: "Both victims have lodged impact statements - it is plain your actions had an effect on their lives which can be described as devastating.

"The girl spoke of closing down, feeling helpless and hopeless. The ability to form relationships has been fractured.

"The woman has had her life torn apart.

"You accept the offences against the child, but are not able to explain the behaviour.

"You report that she never said 'no', but this comment about a child raises concerns in itself.

"Although you have pled guilty, you say the behaviour against the woman was consensual."

James was further put on the sex offenders list. He has also been banned from approaching or contacting the victims - both for an indefinite period.

Detective Inspector David Tomlinson said: "Matthew James is a despicable predator, and he is now being held accountable for his depraved actions.

"I commend the victims for their strength in coming forward and assisting our investigation. I hope this sentencing brings them some form of closure.

"I'd urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual crime or who has information about such offences, to report it - regardless of when it happened. you will be listened to and supported."

James will also be supervised for a further four years on his release.

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