Man raped woman and schoolgirl in Aboyne pet shop

A former pet shop owner carried out a series of sex crimes against women and children at his business.

Paul Patrick attacked some of his victims at the premises of Pawz N Klawz Pet Supplies in Aboyne, in Aberdeenshire.

The 61-year-old preyed on two women and four girls between 2006 and 2023.

Patrick had denied a series of charges at an earlier trial but was convicted of 19 offences, including two rapes and five sexual assaults.

He was also found guilty of lewd behaviour, indecent communications and breaching bail.

The judge imposed an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) and ordered that he must serve eight and a half years’ imprisonment before he is eligible to seek release.

Former company director Patrick’s first victim was a girl aged 12 when he first started abusing her at various locations, including Golspie, Sutherland, Banff and elsewhere.

A second girl was subjected to sexual remarks by him at the pet shop premises on several occasions when she was at the pet shop between November 2002 and November 2010.

He sexually assaulted a woman at the business and directed sexualised comments to her at the shop before exposing himself and raping the woman in November 2013.

Another girl was sent a sexual image and messages by him in Aberdeen. In November 2021, he attacked and raped a 14-year-old girl at the business premises.

In June 2023, he sexually assaulted a woman in Aboyne.

Patrick, who followed the sentencing proceedings via a TV link to HMP Grampian, was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Lord Stuart made non harassment orders banning Patrick from contacting or attempting to contact victims.

A judge at the High Court in Edinburgh told him: “Your actions have caused severe psychological and emotional harm.”

Lord Stuart said: “One of the complainers was 14 years old and particularly vulnerable when you raped and sexually assaulted her.”

The court heard that an expert who prepared a detailed report on Patrick considered that he has an anti-social, narcissistic, psychopathic disorder and posed a high risk.

Detective inspector Kerry McCombie, of the North East Division’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Patrick believed he was above the law, carrying out a sustained pattern of abuse over many years, but he will now faces the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I want to recognise the strength shown by the victims in coming forward and supporting the investigation. I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of justice and reassurance.

“Police Scotland remains committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse and brining perpetrators to justice, no matter how much time has passed.

“I would encourage anyone who has experienced or experiencing abuse to report it. You will be listened to and supported.”