Brutal rapist behind bars after decades of assaults on women in Fife

John McNab, 54, raped two women in Fife and ripped the hair from the head of a 74-year-old victim in another physical attack.

McNab had denied a number of charges in a trial before the High Court in Edinburgh, but was found guilty of ten offences by a unanimous jury verdict.

His first attack occurred on 15 December 2006, when he attacked and raped a woman in a house in Cowdenbeath.

During the attack, McNab pushed her against a door and pulled down her underwear before pushing her against a wall and raping her.

In February 2006, he committed crimes against a second woman, who was subjected to threats, intimidation, violence and repeated rape at properties in Rosyth and Aberdour.

McNab screamed at the victim, verbally abused her, and threatened to kill her and harm her family members.

The victim was punched in the head and hit by a vase that was thrown at her.

He raped the woman in her sleep when she was unable to consent and indecently assaulted and raped her on several other occasions.

In 2011, McNab also attacked a 13-year-old girl by shouting and swearing at her, threatening her with violence and throwing pillows at her at an address in Aberdour.

On 29 May 2019, he carried out a final attack on a 74-year-old woman at a house in Cowdenbeath. He repeatedly threatened her with violence, threatened to kill her and switched off a phone to prevent her from calling for help.

McNab repeatedly hit her on the head and body and grabbed and pulled her hair, ripping some hair from her head.

After the verdict was announced, the jury learned that McNab already has 13 previous convictions, including for violent crimes.

The trial judge stayed the conviction so that a background report and risk assessment could be prepared.

Judge Fiona Tait placed McNab on the sex offenders’ register and remanded him in custody pending sentencing next month.