Craig Mackay

Craig Mackay, a 33-year-old bodybuilder from Ashgrove in Methil, Fife, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of four counts of rape against two women, both aged 32. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Glasgow, where Judge Lord Lake imposed not only the custodial term but also an order for lifelong restriction, meaning Mackay could face indefinite imprisonment if deemed a continued risk to the public beyond the initial five-year punishment period. Even upon potential release, he will remain under intensive supervision.

The convictions stem from a trial held at the High Court in Livingston in June, where Mackay was found guilty of assaulting and raping the victims, with one assault described as being to the danger of her life. Advocate depute Christopher Macintosh, during the proceedings, highlighted Mackay's prior criminal history, including a previous prison sentence for serious assault with domestic aggravation, as well as multiple convictions for domestic violence and disorderly conduct involving one of the victims. Mackay was placed on the Sex Offenders Register upon conviction.

In a poignant victim impact statement, one of the women detailed being raped three times by Mackay, recounting a particularly harrowing incident where he grabbed her by the throat during the assault, leaving her unable to breathe or swallow. She feared for her life, stating, 'I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t swallow.' A neighbour who spoke to the victim immediately after the attack described receiving a 'very graphic' account of the assault, noting that Mackay subsequently made repeated abusive phone calls to the woman as she sought help.

Despite admitting to abusive behaviour and volatility, particularly when under the influence of alcohol, Mackay denied the rape charges. In his defence, he claimed, 'I was really volatile on drink and I come to blows quite a lot. I maybe lifted my hands (but) one thing I’m definitely not is a rapist. I hate people who do things like that.' However, the jury rejected his denials, convicting him based on the evidence presented. This case underscores the severity of sexual offences compounded by domestic abuse, with Mackay's history painting a picture of repeated violence against women.

The sentencing reflects the court's assessment of Mackay as a significant danger, with the lifelong restriction order designed to protect the public long-term. Reports from The Courier detail the full context of the trial and its outcomes, emphasising the impact on the victims and the justice system's response to such grave crimes in Fife.