Stuart Harding, 34, has been jailed for a string of sexual offences committed over nine years on Orkney.

Harding preyed on both adult women and underage girls, carrying out assaults and rapes. The crimes spanned from 2012 to 2021. During his trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Harding denied a series of charges but was convicted of twelve offences, including five counts of rape and two of attempted rape.

Harding's offending began with the assault and rape of a woman in 2012. He continued to attack her over several occasions, while also attempting to rape her on other instances. Harding claimed he had sleep problems and had been to therapy, but the victim remained terrified throughout his abuse.

Over the following years, Harding went on to rape another woman in 2015 and sexually assault and rape a third woman in both 2016 and 2021. His crimes also included sexual assaults and attempted rape of two underage girls. He used money and alcohol as inducements with one victim who he knew was 12.

Advocate depute Catriona MacLeod presented compelling evidence against Harding, stating that the Crown's position was clear beyond a reasonable doubt. Lord Summers sentenced Harding to a lengthy custodial sentence, placing him on the sex offenders' register.