News / Rapist jailed for seven years
A MAN with an address in Virkie was jailed for seven years at the high court in Glasgow on Tuesday after found guilty of raping and seriously assaulting two women over a period of eight years between 2004 and 2012.
Thirty three year old Kenneth Harper was also sentenced for assaulting a third woman.
Police in Shetland acknowledged the sentence and praised the victims for coming forward.
Harper first appeared in private at Lerwick Sheriff Court charged with a number of serious sexual offences on 18 April last year.
At the high court on Tuesday judge Lord Boyd said it was his duty to protect the public.
Acting chief inspector Lindsay Tulloch said Shetland was a safer place without Harper.
“The courage of a victim of this type of crime should be commended not only in coming forward to report these offences but also for the courage shown in giving evidence at the high court.
“We recognise that victims undergo traumatic experiences however we hope that the sentencing today can give some comfort and begin the process of closure for those involved in this case.
“It is hoped that this conviction should give other victims of such a sensitive crime the confidence to come forward and report incidents to police, and be safe in the knowledge that their case will be sensitively and thoroughly investigated. No victim should suffer in silence,” Tulloch said.
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