Serial rapist Kevin Vivers who drowned pet dogs sentenced to ten years in prison

A serial rapist who drowned his pet dogs has been sentenced to ten years in prison.

Kevin Vivers from Bathgate was found guilty of 27 charges including nine rapes, serious sexual and physical assaults and animal cruelty.

The 58-year-old committed the offences in the West Lothian and Forth Valley areas between 1985 and 2000.

The jury at the High Court in Livingston heard how unemployed Vivers kicked and punched pet dogs, slashed the throats of some and drowned others.

One victim told how she was repeatedly kicked during an attack while another was subjected to serious sexual assaults while she slept.

One victim was 14 years old when she was sexually assaulted by Vivers who went on to physically attack and rape her when she was an adult.

Vivers was sentenced to ten years in prison with an Order for Lifelong Restriction imposed.

Commenting after sentence, Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Kevin Vivers is a habitual offender who has subjected women to appalling physical and sexual assaults over more than three decades.

“We hope it is some reassurance to others – and comfort to his victims – that his criminal behaviour has been brought to an end by today’s sentence.

“As prosecutors, we are grateful for the courage of his victims. They bravely spoke out in the pursuit of justice, even when the offending occurred some years ago.

“I would encourage all victims or witnesses of similar offending to come forward, report it and seek support.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steven McMillan added: “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. It is from their reports that we were able to build a significant case against Vivers, which ultimately resulted in his sentencing today. I hope this brings them some comfort and helps them move forward.

“This was a difficult case due to the horrendous nature of Vivers’s crimes and the sickening animal abuse, which spanned 15 years.

“I want to make it clear to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse that there is no time limit on when you can report these crimes. I would encourage any victims to come forward and report it to police.

“We will always conduct a thorough investigation and will do all we can to bring perpetrators of such offences to justice while making sure the victims are fully supported throughout.”