JOHN GRANT FROM AIRDRIE SENTENCED FOR CHOKING AND RAPE IN GLASGOW AND PAISLEY

In a disturbing case that spanned several years, John Grant, a 36-year-old man from Airdrie, Lanarkshire, has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving two women. The crimes, which took place between 2013 and 2017, included repeated acts of rape, physical assault, and psychological abuse, leaving the victims in a state of fear and trauma.

Grant’s criminal activities first came to light after the victims came forward during the trial at the High Court in Glasgow. The court heard that Grant’s offending began shortly after he met the first woman at a nightclub in Glasgow. Their initial connection led to a date at the Glasgow Necropolis, where they shared drinks, including Prosecco. However, the seemingly innocent outing took a dark turn during the journey back from the cemetery, when Grant first assaulted her.

Despite the initial incident, the woman continued to see Grant, perhaps driven by complex emotional factors or manipulation. Unfortunately, her trust was shattered as Grant subjected her to further abuse primarily at a flat in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. The court was told that Grant used physical force against her, including restricting her breathing to the point of causing her to lose consciousness. He also attacked her while she was asleep, taking advantage of her inability to consent to sex. The victim described her fear so intense that she eventually locked herself in a bathroom, clutching a razor in a desperate attempt to protect herself.

Meanwhile, Grant’s interactions with the second victim began through social media, specifically Facebook, where both women were involved in the local music scene. Grant persistently pursued her, and they eventually met at a flat in Paisley, Renfrewshire. The pattern of abuse repeated, with Grant attacking her in a manner similar to his first victim. During the trial, Grant admitted to being trained in mixed martial arts, which he claimed he used to defend himself. Prosecutor Erin Campbell questioned him about the technique known as ‘choking out’ in MMA, to which Grant denied using it on the women, claiming there was a difference between martial arts and role-playing scenarios.

Ms. Campbell also highlighted that the first woman was forced to hide from Grant out of fear, and she was feeling low because of his controlling and abusive behavior, including sexual assault. Grant dismissed these claims, insisting it was “completely ridiculous” that he had shown her a video of himself having sex with another woman. Regarding the second victim, Grant stated that her rape fantasy involved being drugged and unconscious, which she reportedly asked for, and he claimed this was a consensual act based on her preferences.

The judge, Graeme Buchanan, deferred sentencing to allow for reports to be prepared, leaving the community and the victims awaiting justice. Grant was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court next month to face the consequences of his actions, which have left a lasting impact on the lives of the women involved.