Man abducted woman, attacked her with baton and raped her

A man who caused a woman to suffer “severe” psychological harm as a result of a two-day-long abduction, rape and physical abuse ordeal has been jailed.

Graeme Garrow, 43, was jailed for eight years and three months on Tuesday for a course of conduct which took place in June 2024 in Crieff, Perthshire.

The High Court in Dundee heard how Garrow abducted his victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at an address in the town.

He assaulted her by striking her head off a window before strangling her. Jurors heard how she fell unconscious.

Garrow, also of Crieff, continued to abuse her by striking her with a baton when she resumed consciousness before raping her.

Jurors convicted Garrow last month of a charge which detailed the abduction, physical assaults and rape which took place between June 2, 2024 and June 4, 2024.

Garrow’s actions caused the woman “severe injury” and endangered her life.

Garrow, who was previously a remand prisoner, was also convicted on a charge of threatening and abusive behaviour towards the woman.

Sentencing was deferred for the court to obtain a background report on Garrow and the case called again on Tuesday in Edinburgh before Lord Summers.

Passing sentence, Lord Summers told Garrow, who observed proceedings via video link, that he’d have to go to jail for his crimes.

He added: “I have read her victim impact statement and it indicates that she has been left badly traumatised by the crimes you perpetrated against her.

“I am satisfied that she suffered severe psychological harm as a result of your actions.

“In the whole circumstances, I am going to impose a sentence of eight years and three months.”

Earlier, Lord Summers heard from Garrow’s lawyer Billy Watt.

Mr Watt told the court that his client still maintained he was innocent of any wrongdoing but was prepared to take courses in custody designed to help rehabilitate him.

He added: “He accepts the verdict of the jury. He is willing engage in courses in custody which are offence focused.

“He is somebody who can be rehabilitated.”

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