Jordan Richford jailed for rape and sexual assault

Jordan Richford, 30, hunted the teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in locations in Ayrshire, Glasgow and Inverclyde between July 2010 and August 2013.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Richford was a teenager when he began his crimes.

Judge Thomas Welsh KC heard how he repeatedly raped two of his victims and sexually assaulted all three complainants.

On Monday 24 June, a lawyer for Richford – who was convicted earlier this year following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow – addressed Judge Welsh as the case was being heard in Edinburgh.

Barrister Gareth Jones KC told the court that his client still stood by the position he had taken during the trial and that he was satisfied that he had not been guilty of any wrongdoing.

The lawyer said his client was a teenager at the time of the crimes.

He added: “I ask Your Lordship to take into account his young age at the time of these offences.”

However, Judge Welsh told Richford – a remand prisoner who was watching the trial via video link from prison – that he would have to go to prison for his crimes.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Welsh discussed what Richford told a social worker as part of a report about his past.

Judge Welsh said: “The reporter says you justified, downplayed and denied your actions to your victims.

“You have shown little remorse and are considered to pose a serious risk of further sexual offences.

“The damage you have caused is immeasurable.”

Judge Welsh also ordered Richford to undergo three years of supervision following his release from prison and placed him on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Scottish police welcomed the conviction and subsequent sentence, describing the 30-year-old as “abusive” and “despicable”.

Detective Inspector Russell Paton said: “Richford was a violent individual and will now face the consequences of his heinous crimes in prison.

“My thoughts are with these women who have shown tremendous strength by coming forward and assisting our investigation. I hope this verdict brings them some comfort.

“If anyone has experienced or is experiencing violence or sexual abuse, we have detectives dedicated exclusively to investigating such crimes. Please report it. You can be assured that you will receive full support from the officers and our partner agencies.”