Man who raped sleeping woman and repeatedly sexually assaulted another jailed

A man who subjected two women to a campaign of brutal rapes and assaults has been jailed for five and a half years.

Connir Knighton, 22, preyed on the women at a property in Burntisland, Fife, between November 2021 and October 2022.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Knighton, also of Burntisland, targeted his first victim and raped her on multiple occasions between November 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022.

He sexually assaulted his second victim before raping her in October 2022. The court heard how she was asleep and unable to provide consent to Knighton at the time of the incidents.

Knighton pleaded not guilty to the charges but was convicted following trial earlier this year. Sentence was deferred for the court to obtain reports.

On Tuesday, the case called before judge Lady Haldane and Knighton observed proceedings via video link.

The court heard how Knighton continued to maintain he was innocent of any wrongdoing. Defence solicitor advocate Gordon Martin told the court that his client has had “adverse childhood experiences.”

He added: “I would ask your ladyship to deal with this as leniently as possible.”

Passing sentence, Lady Haldane told Knighton that he had to go to prison for his crimes.

She added: “Rape is among the most serious crimes that come before the court, and it follows that only one sentence can be imposed in the circumstances, and that is a custodial one.”

Knighton was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.