NEIL IRELAND FROM METHIL SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN FIFE

A convicted predatory sex offender has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping or sexually assaulting four women at various locations across Fife. Neil Ireland, 39, of Methil, was found guilty last month of three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Edinburgh.

He committed one of his assaults while the woman was in bed with her baby daughter. Ireland's crimes occurred between 2008 and 2015 in the towns of Cupar, Leven, and Methil.

A judge remarked on his conduct, stating, "It was, in my opinion, correctly stated by the Crown at your trial that you were a predator who befriended and exploited vulnerable women by taking advantage of them sexually, not caring whether they consented to what you did to them."

Lord Uist also expressed his view that Ireland considered himself entitled to act as he did and noted that he had shown no remorse or regret. The judge highlighted a background report which indicated that Ireland used denial, minimization, and blame, often portraying himself as the victim.

Defence solicitor advocate Iain Paterson described Ireland as a first-time offender who has demonstrated a good work ethic in the past. Paterson added that Ireland intends to cooperate with authorities during his imprisonment and plans to participate in offender rehabilitation programmes.

Ireland will also be listed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.