Man raped four women and assaulted two others over 13-year period

A man who raped four women and assaulted two others over a 13 year period has been jailed.

Derek Duncan was convicted of 17 offences against the six women, including two charges of assault to injury and danger of life, following a trial at the High Court in Dundee in September.

The 32-year-old carried out the attacks at addresses across Dundee between November 2007 and July 2020.

He abducted one woman by locking her in his home. He kicked and punched her, then seized her by the throat causing her to lose consciousness.

The court heard Duncan grabbed another by her hair, shook her and struck her head on a mirror.

He took indecent images of another without her knowledge.

Duncan was also convicted of raping four women.

On Friday, Duncan was jailed for ten years at the High Court in Livingston.

Police Scotland have welcomed the sentencing of Duncan, following an investigation by the Domestic Abuse Task Force, where the full scale of his violent behaviour became clear.

Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: “This was a protracted and complex investigation by a small team of dedicated officers, working closely with a number of other partner agencies to ensure that justice was done and that the victims were suitably supported.

“It is clear that Derek Duncan is an extremely violent and controlling man, who will now face the consequences of his appalling acts of abuse.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise the victims for their bravery in coming forward and assisting our investigation. I hope that this sentencing today provides them with a measure of closure and goes some way to giving other victims of abuse the courage to speak out.

“Domestic abuse, in all its forms, has no place in our society and tackling remains one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.

“If you are experiencing abuse, we want you to know that you are not alone. We encourage you to contact police or seek support and advice from one of our partner agencies, such as Women’s Aid.

“Together, we can support you through those next steps.”