Description
Matthew Connelly preyed on his victims in Lanark and Carluke between 2018 and 2020.
A man who raped two teenagers in Lanarkshire has been jailed for six-and-a-half years.
Matthew Connelly, 22, preyed on the victims in Lanark and Carluke between February 2018 and March 2020.
He first pounced on a 16-year-old on various occasions at Lanark Loch and a property in Carluke.
Connelly threatened to commit suicide if she did not meet to have sex with him, before raping her.
He then raped another woman in July 2018.
Connelly removed her clothes and straddled her body while she was asleep.
After the victim woke up, he removed her lower clothing, seized her arms and restrained her.
Connelly then went on to rape her.
He also sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl on various occasions between 2017 and 2018.
Connelly also had underage sex with a 14-year-old girl in 2018.
He assaulted another woman in a car by removing her seatbelt and attempting to push her from the vehicle.
Judge William Gallacher said: "You were convicted of a serious of very serious criminal offences for your own sexual gratification.
"You subjected young victims to manipulation, abuse, psychologic influence and control as well as physical sexual behaviour.
"All victims were between the ages of 14 and 18 when you engaged in controlling and violent behaviour for your own sexual gratification.
"You took advantage of one of the girl's being a youth and when she refused your advances, you seized and raped her.
"You found another girl on a school bus and engaged in sexual assaults with her, manipulated and raped her.
"Every sexual offence would have merited a lengthy prison sentence."
Connelly was also put under supervision for three years upon his release from prison put on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
Tony Graham, defending, told the sentencing that Connelly comes from a family with a good work ethic and that he now understands his place in society.
His crimes were described as "despicable" by a Lanarkshire detective who calls on more people to report sexual abuse to ensure more perpetrators are brought to justice.
Detective Inspector David Lamont of Wishaw Police Station said: Connelly subjected his victims to sustained sexual abuse over a number of months and he is now facing the consequences of his despicable actions.
"This sentencing sends a clear message that anyone found guilty of offences of this nature will be brought to justice.
His victims were incredibly brave to come forward and report him then give evidence in court.
"Our thoughts remain with them and I hope that his sentencing will give them some comfort and help them move forward.
We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crimes and investigating those responsible by bringing them to justice, no matter how much time has passed.
"I would urge people to contact police and report it. They can be assured of being fully supported by officers and partner agencies.
Connelly was initially found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow earlier this month.