Woman forced to scrub bloodstains and any form of evidence after a rape ordeal

Edinburgh, UK:  A rapist who forced a victim to scrub bloodstains from her body in a bid to get rid of forensic evidence has been jailed.

Andrew Peters, 34, raped a 26-year-old woman in her home in Inverness in March 2011 following an earlier argument, the Crown Office said.

On November 4 the following year he raped a 47-year-old woman who he met in a bar and took to his home - subjecting her to an ordeal which last several hours.

Afterwards he forced his victim to scrub bloodstains from her body and around the property, in an attempt to remove any forensic evidence. He also threatened her with violence if she told anyone about the incident.

He was convicted of both rapes in Inverness on July 31, 2013, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

When he appeared for sentencing at the court today he was ordered to serve at least seven years and six months behind bars, the Crown Office said.

He was also given an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR), meaning that once he is deemed safe to be released he will be subject to continuing risk assessments, and was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.

Speaking after the sentencing, Andy Shanks, Procurator Fiscal High Court for the north of Scotland said: "The actions of Andrew Peters have devastated the lives of two women but it is thanks to these women, who were brave enough to report their horrific ordeals, that we have been able to bring him to justice.

"Victims can have confidence that their cases will be handled by specialists who are committed wherever possible to bringing those who commit sexual offences of any kind to justice."

Detective Inspector Maggie Miller, of Police Scotland, said: "The courage shown by the victims of Andrew Peters' horrific crimes is to be commended.

"We hope that this sentence of lifelong restriction received by Andrew Peters can give them some comfort and a sense of justice.

"It is hoped that this conviction will give other victims of such crimes the confidence to come forward safe in the knowledge that their case will be investigated sensitively and thoroughly, and that perpetrators will face the consequences of their life-changing actions.

"Highland and Islands police division will continue to pursue anyone engaged in the perpetration of sexual offences, utilising the support of specialist teams, as we focus on keeping people safe."