CRAIG SLEZAS AND HIS SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENSES IN ANSTRUTHER AND ST ANDREWS

Craig Slezas, a 33-year-old man from Castle Street, Crail, was sentenced on Tuesday following his conviction for a series of serious sexual offenses committed over an eight-year period. The High Court in Edinburgh heard harrowing details of his crimes, which included the rape of three women and other forms of sexual assault against four victims.

During the trial, Slezas denied numerous charges, but the court ultimately found him guilty of 11 offences that occurred between January 2008 and January 2016. In total, he faced 24 charges, although several were withdrawn by the Crown, and the jury acquitted him of two crimes last month. The sentencing was deferred pending the court’s review of reports concerning his background.

Lord Arthurson, presiding over the case, referred to a psychological report on Slezas and made pointed comments about his lack of remorse and insight. He stated, “You have not demonstrated any insight into your offending nor have you shown any remorse to the complainants. During your interview, you engaged in what could be best described as victim blaming. The only appropriate disposal in this case is the imposition of a significant custodial sentence. I am very concerned about the risk you pose to the public and especially to women.”

One of the victims, a woman who worked as a greenkeeper at the Fairmont Hotel’s course in St Andrews, shared her traumatizing experience in court. She described how Slezas forced himself upon her despite her clear requests not to engage in sex while they were inside a house in Fife. She told prosecutor Peter Ferguson KC: “I told him I wasn’t in the mood. He kept on trying but I said I wasn’t interested. I just froze. He asked me why I was crying. I just cried.”

Another victim was a teenage girl whom Slezas sexually assaulted in a car in St Andrews when she was only 14. His crimes against her also included unlawful sexual activity at Craigtoun Park, in a vehicle stopped at a layby near Dairsie, and at a beach. The court heard that Slezas later shouted and swore at her, before raping her on two occasions inside a house in Anstruther.

Furthermore, Slezas abducted another woman at a house in Crail, where he locked the door to prevent her from leaving, seized her body, and grabbed her bag. She was subjected to additional assault and rape at a different house in Cupar. His criminal acts extended to the Highlands, where he raped another woman at a property in Fort William in January 2014. His final reported offense took place in January 2016 in Methil, where he forcibly abducted a woman from her car, shouted at her, acted aggressively, and drove erratically, causing her to hit the dashboard.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Slezas observed the court’s hearing via video link. His defense attorney, Neil Murray KC, emphasized that Slezas was “effectively” the primary carer for his mother and highlighted his learning difficulties. Mr. Murray remarked, “He does not seek to produce any sort of explanation for his behaviour. The lack of serious insight maybe the result of his intellectual difficulties.”

In addition to the custodial sentence, Lord Arthurson ordered Slezas to be registered on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity and gravity of his crimes in Anstruther, St Andrews, Crail, Cupar, Fort William, and Methil.