‘Dangerous’ Scottish rapist jailed after beating his victims with crowbar and golf club

A “dangerous” rapist was sentenced to ten years in prison after brutally abusing six women, even hitting one of them with a crowbar.

James Kelly targeted women across Edinburgh over a six-year period between 2014 and 2020. The 43-year-old committed a series of violent and sexual crimes, including five counts of rape. He also attacked one victim, seriously injuring her.

Kelly attacked a woman, seriously injuring her after he threw her down a flight of stairs, punched her in the head and pushed her. He also tried to force her out of a vehicle, kicked her and choked her.

Kelly also filmed the woman in an intimate situation without her consent.

He attacked a second woman, dragging her hair, jumping on her, hitting her with a golf club and choking her. He also struck her in the body with a crowbar, grabbed her by the hair and dragged her from a motor vehicle.

During a camping trip, Kelly forced the same victim to watch pornographic videos and left her alone in the dark and without any means of transportation. The perpetrator behaved aggressively and threateningly towards a third woman and forced her to listen to a recording of him abusing an ex-partner.

Detective Inspector Eirlys Fraser said: “James Kelly subjected his victims to shocking levels of violence and sexual abuse. He is an extremely dangerous individual who showed no remorse for his behaviour but is now paying the price for his despicable actions.”

“I want to thank the women for being strong enough to come forward during the investigation and help us build a compelling case against him. I hope this outcome gives them a sense of closure and allows them to put this horrific ordeal behind them.

“If someone has experienced or is experiencing violence or sexual abuse, they are not alone. We encourage you to tell us. Officers and our partner agencies will listen to you and support you throughout the process. Together, we will bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s sex offender prosecutor, said: “James Kelly is a dangerous individual whose violent and predatory behaviour has caused unimaginable trauma. The courage of his victims in coming forward and speaking to the authorities deserves huge praise.”

“It is thanks to your evidence that he has now been held to account for his appalling criminal behaviour. We would urge any victim of similar crimes not to suffer in silence but to come forward. We will listen and support you as we seek justice.”

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