LUKE BERTORELLI FROM DUNFERMLINE SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND VIOLENCE IN FIFE AND EDINBURGH

A man from Dunfermline with a disturbing history of violence and sexual assault has been sentenced to a total of 45 months in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed over nearly a year. Luke Bertorelli, aged 23, was found guilty of 11 separate charges, including three counts of rape, with the offences spanning from March 2017 to February of the following year. These crimes took place across multiple locations, including Dunfermline, High Valleyfield, Blairgowrie, and Edinburgh, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that caused significant trauma to his victims.

His sentencing was handed down at the High Court in Lanark last week, where he received sentences ranging from five to 45 months for each individual charge. All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve the longest term of 45 months. The court noted that Bertorelli's criminal activity began on March 17, 2021, the date from which he was first remanded into custody.

During the court proceedings, harrowing details emerged about Bertorelli’s conduct. One victim recounted waking up to find him engaging in sexual activity with her. Despite her protests and shouting “no,” Bertorelli dismissed her boundaries by claiming she “deserved” the sexual act. Another victim, who was intoxicated at the time, was subjected to sexual abuse, which Bertorelli documented by photographing her while she was vulnerable. She later discovered the images on his mobile phone, leaving her feeling sick and violated.

The court also heard that Bertorelli attempted to intimidate one of his victims after learning that she and another woman had spoken to the police. He contacted her directly, warning her, “If they come asking you questions, don’t say a f***ing word. I’ll pay you,” in an apparent effort to silence her and prevent her from cooperating with law enforcement.

Previously, Bertorelli, who was residing on Grange Road in Dunfermline, admitted to charges of sexual assault, physical assault, and abusive behavior. His pattern of harassment extended beyond sexual violence; he followed a woman to the police station after she told him to stop, physically pinned her with his arm, and subjected her to verbal abuse. His aggressive behavior also included damaging her car, cutting up her clothes, and repeatedly calling her after the incident.

Further disturbing evidence was presented regarding his treatment of a third woman, who was also subjected to verbal abuse by Bertorelli. Police found incriminating material on his phone, which contributed to his conviction. As part of his sentence, Bertorelli has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.