February 2019 Sex attacker threatened boy, 12, with a knife before abusing him A sex attacker who threatened a terrified 12-year-old boy with a knife before abusing him has been jailed for five years and 11 months. Gary Ravenscroft , 27, from Glasgow, preyed on his victim in Paisley and Johnstone, both Renfrewshire between 2007 and 2011 when he was aged between nine and 12. His victim said in an impact statement: “He hurt me and emotionally scared me for life.” Ravenscroft, pled guilty to four charges including raping one child. He also admitted sexually abusing a seven-year-old boy in 2010. Judge Lord Mulholland told Ravenscroft: “Your conduct towards these boys was disgraceful. You had medical problems, but that is no excuse. “On one occasion you used a knife to carry out your sexual abuse.” Defence counsel Tony Lenehan said: “He had a massive brain tumour removed. He struggles to see back through the veil of the tumour which caused his behaviour to be dis-inhibited He himself was a child at the outset and during a substantial part of these offences.” Prosecutor Margaret Barron said the boy was first attacked while playing a games console. Ravenscroft was later described as “aggressive” and threatened to “batter” the child. The abuse stopped for a time while Ravenscroft recovered from brain surgery. But, he went on to prey on the boy again when he got out of hospital. Prosecutors said this included him “presenting a knife” at the child before attacking him. Ravenscroft was snared when the victim bravely went to police in early 2017. It then emerged Ravenscroft had also molested a seven-year-old boy in 2010. He admitted to a charge of lewd and libidinous conduct in connection with that incident. Ravenscroft also admitted failing to appear at the High Court in March 2018. He showed no emotion as he was led away to begin his sentence. He will be monitored in the community for three years after his release from jail. January 2019 Renfrewshire rapist locked up after string of offences against boy A rapist who threatened a terrified young boy with a knife as he abused him is behind bars. Gary Ravenscroft preyed on his victim in Johnstone and Paisley between 2007 and 2011. The child was as young as nine when Ravenscroft first struck. A judge was told how the boy was abused on an “almost daily basis.” Ravenscroft, 27, now faces a lengthy jail term after he admitted a string of charges, including raping the child. The High Court in Glasgow heard claims Ravenscroft may have been affected by a brain tumour at the time. He was remanded in custody and is due to learn his fate next month. Prosecutor Margaret Barron said the boy was first attacked while playing a games console. Ravenscroft was later described as “aggressive” and threatened to “batter” the child. The abuse stopped for a time while Ravenscroft recovered from brain surgery but he went on to prey on the boy again when he got out of hospital. Prosecutors said this included him “presenting a knife” at the child before attacking him. Ravenscroft was snared when the victim bravely went to police in early 2017. It then emerged he had also molested a seven-year-old boy in 2010. Ravenscroft admitted a charge of lewd and libidinous conduct in connection with that incident. He had initially been due to appear at the high court in March last year but a warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to turn up. Lord Mulholland deferred sentencing for reports.