Man who raped two students during campaign of abuse jailed

A rapist who attacked two university students during a catalogue of sexual offending and abusive behaviour has been jailed for eight and a half years.

Fraser Barclay, 25, committed his first rape attack on a victim when he was aged 18 after the woman fell asleep and was incapable of consenting.

Barclay went on to subject a second student to a prolonged period of abuse when he used violence on her and repeatedly punched her, put a pillow over her face and pinned her against a wall as he gripped her by the throat.

He also exerted control over the victim’s finances and the food that she ate, and isolated her from her friends and family

Barclay, formerly of Dundee, also subjected her to repeated rapes and sexual assaults at addresses in the city.

He had denied a series of charges during an earlier trial but was found guilty of seven offences – four of rape, two of sexual assault and one of abusive behaviour.

A judge told him at the High Court in Edinburgh: “You have been convicted of a catalogue of extremely serious sexual offences and controlling, abusive behaviour.”

The offences took place between September 2018 and April 2021. The majority of the criminal conduct occurred in Dundee, but some happened at locations in England.

Lord Renucci said he recognised that Barclay was considerably younger when the offending took place and that he had not come to the attention of the authorities in the intervening period.

The judge told Barclay: “There is no alternative to a significant custodial sentence having regard to the serious nature of the offences.”

Lord Renucci said he had regard to victim impact statements prepared by the women and told Barclay: “It is clear your behaviour has had a significant and enduring impact on both complainers.”

The judge ordered that the sex offender should be under supervision for a further two-year period in the community following his jail sentence as an added public protection measure.

During that period, Barclay will be on licence and can be returned to jail if he breaches its conditions.

Advocate depute Eilidh Robertson, for the Crown, asked the judge to make non harassment orders for whatever period he saw fit.

Lord Renucci made the orders prohibiting Barclay from approaching or contacting the women or attempting to do so for an indefinite period.

Defence solicitor advocate Iain Paterson KC said that a risk assessment carried out on Barclay assessed him as posing a medium risk.

He said: “The offences took place when he was a relatively young man some years ago.”

He told the court that Barclay has some physical health problems and mental health issues but was a clever man.

He said: “He has absolutely no intention of getting himself into any form of trouble in future.”

Barclay, who followed the sentencing proceedings via a TV link to prison, was placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.