JOHN MCNAB SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR RAPE AND VIOLENCE IN COWDENBEATH AND FIFE
| Red Rose Database
Cowdenbeath Rapist
A man with a long history of violent and sexually abusive behavior towards women has been sentenced to a decade in prison for his crimes spanning over a period of more than thirteen years. John McNab, aged 54, was found guilty of multiple serious offenses after a comprehensive trial, which included charges of rape, assault, breach of the peace, and threatening or abusive behavior. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of violence and sexual assault that began in December 2006 and continued into recent years, causing significant trauma to his victims.
McNab's criminal activities first came to light when he attacked and raped a woman at a residence in Cowdenbeath, Fife. During this assault, he forcibly pushed her against a door and a wall, and pulled down her lower clothing, demonstrating a brutal and invasive attack. The court heard that by February 2008, McNab's violence had escalated, as he subjected a second woman to threats, intimidation, and repeated rapes at properties located in Rosyth and Aberdour. His behavior included shouting, swearing, and making threats to kill her, as well as inflicting physical violence by punching her in the head and striking her with a vase. On some occasions, he raped her while she was asleep and unable to give consent, and he also indecently assaulted her multiple times.
In addition to his assaults on women, McNab's violent tendencies extended to a young girl. In 2011, he shouted and swore at a 13-year-old girl at an address in Aberdour, threatening her with violence and throwing cushions at her. His pattern of threatening and violent behavior culminated in a final attack in May 2019, when he assaulted a 74-year-old woman at her home in Cowdenbeath. During this incident, he threatened her with violence and death, disconnected her phone to prevent her from calling for help, and repeatedly punched her on the head and body. He also grabbed and pulled her hair, ripping some of it from her scalp in the process.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Fiona Tait addressed McNab directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. She stated, "These sexual and violent offences are of considerable gravity. They have had a substantial impact on each of the complainers." The judge commended the victims who testified against McNab, noting that their victim impact statements revealed the profound psychological effects of his actions, including nightmares and anxiety. Despite McNab's denial of the charges, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of all ten offenses.
While acknowledging that McNab had no prior record of sexual offenses, Judge Tait pointed out that he did have previous convictions for assault. She sentenced him to ten years in prison and ordered that he be placed under supervision for an additional three years upon release. During this period, he will be on license and could be returned to prison if he breaches any conditions. Furthermore, the judge issued non-harassment orders that prohibit McNab from contacting or attempting to contact any of his victims for a period of 25 years. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his status.
Throughout the trial, McNab maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. His defense solicitor advocate, Graeme Brown, highlighted McNab's difficult upbringing and social isolation, citing a background report prepared by a social worker. Despite these mitigating factors, the court determined that only a substantial custodial sentence was appropriate given the severity and persistence of his offending behavior.
McNab's criminal activities first came to light when he attacked and raped a woman at a residence in Cowdenbeath, Fife. During this assault, he forcibly pushed her against a door and a wall, and pulled down her lower clothing, demonstrating a brutal and invasive attack. The court heard that by February 2008, McNab's violence had escalated, as he subjected a second woman to threats, intimidation, and repeated rapes at properties located in Rosyth and Aberdour. His behavior included shouting, swearing, and making threats to kill her, as well as inflicting physical violence by punching her in the head and striking her with a vase. On some occasions, he raped her while she was asleep and unable to give consent, and he also indecently assaulted her multiple times.
In addition to his assaults on women, McNab's violent tendencies extended to a young girl. In 2011, he shouted and swore at a 13-year-old girl at an address in Aberdour, threatening her with violence and throwing cushions at her. His pattern of threatening and violent behavior culminated in a final attack in May 2019, when he assaulted a 74-year-old woman at her home in Cowdenbeath. During this incident, he threatened her with violence and death, disconnected her phone to prevent her from calling for help, and repeatedly punched her on the head and body. He also grabbed and pulled her hair, ripping some of it from her scalp in the process.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Fiona Tait addressed McNab directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. She stated, "These sexual and violent offences are of considerable gravity. They have had a substantial impact on each of the complainers." The judge commended the victims who testified against McNab, noting that their victim impact statements revealed the profound psychological effects of his actions, including nightmares and anxiety. Despite McNab's denial of the charges, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of all ten offenses.
While acknowledging that McNab had no prior record of sexual offenses, Judge Tait pointed out that he did have previous convictions for assault. She sentenced him to ten years in prison and ordered that he be placed under supervision for an additional three years upon release. During this period, he will be on license and could be returned to prison if he breaches any conditions. Furthermore, the judge issued non-harassment orders that prohibit McNab from contacting or attempting to contact any of his victims for a period of 25 years. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his status.
Throughout the trial, McNab maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. His defense solicitor advocate, Graeme Brown, highlighted McNab's difficult upbringing and social isolation, citing a background report prepared by a social worker. Despite these mitigating factors, the court determined that only a substantial custodial sentence was appropriate given the severity and persistence of his offending behavior.