Eight years for 300-time rapist

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A man who raped a teenage girl 300 times over a seven-year period has been jailed for eight years.

David Hiddleston, 74, from Heathhall near Dumfries, admitted raping the girl on various occasions between 1973 and 1980.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Malcolm told him his conduct had been "selfish and disgraceful".

He added that the offences had had a "devastating impact" on the victim, who was just 13 when the abuse began.

The court had previously been told the woman estimated she had been raped about 250 times between the ages of 13 and 18.

He wishes that this had never happened, but obviously he cannot change what has been done Bill McVicarDefence advocate

She was then subjected to a further 50 to 60 attacks at a house in Dumfries until she was 19.

Lord Malcolm told Hiddleston: "You have pled guilty to a sustained campaign of rape and abuse against the victim from the start of her teenage years and for almost seven years thereafter.

"All of this has had a devastating impact upon her over many years.

"It is clear that the nature and gravity of your conduct means only a custodial sentence is appropriate."

The judge said he would have jailed Hiddleston for 12 years, but the sentence would be reduced following his guilty plea.

He said he had taken into account that the pensioner was a first offender who had made a contribution to the community since the offences.

He added that he had also considered his age and health difficulties.

However, Lord Malcolm said a background report on the rapist expressed the view that he had "little insight into the consequences" of his behaviour nor "any real remorse for it".

Advocate depute Hugh Irwin told the court the victim had not told anyone about what had happened to her until about nine years ago when she informed a GP.

Die in prison

The woman, who has suffered bouts of depression, took an overdose before revealing details of her ordeal to her family doctor.

She finally went to the police last summer.

Before his client was sentenced, defence advocate Bill McVicar told the court Hiddleston was not in the "best of health" and it was possible a lengthy term would see him die in prison.

"Any sentence imposed may lead to his never being released alive," he said.

"That matter weighs very heavily on his mind."

He asked Lord Malcolm to consider passing a sentence that would allow Hiddleston to be able to spend some time with his wife after he had paid the price for his conduct.

Mr McVicar said the crime was of "considerable vintage" and there had been no further offences in the last 29 years.

He added: "He very much regrets what he did those many years ago and the effect on the victim.

"He wishes that this had never happened, but obviously he cannot change what has been done."