A serial rapist with “blasé attitude to violence” attacked women over a 13-year period.

James Henderson, 45, has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of raping three women and attempting to rape a fourth.

Judge Lady Haldane said Henderson’s criminal justice social work report made for “dispiriting reading” as he accepted no responsibility for his behaviour.

Lady Haldane said: “You are recorded as saying that you do not trust women, and to have a blasé attitude to violence.

“You appear to regard violence as acceptable and consider that no justification is required for resorting to violence.”

Henderson’s assaults took place in Aberdeen and Dundee between 2008 and 2021.

Lady Haldane said two of the women were raped repeatedly, and “all were, to a greater or lesser extent, vulnerable”.

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During Henderson’s trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, one victim described the abuse as “just continuous”.

She said: “I know that he raped me that night, but then I would have sex with him to keep him happy.

“It was just easier to have sex rather than go through getting beaten again. It was just for my own safety.”

Lady Haldane noted Henderson’s lengthy record of previous convictions dating back to 2004, including breaching a sexual offences prevention order.

She said: “Various disposals have been imposed, including imprisonment, but none of these have dissuaded you from further offending.”

Lady Haldane added: “The common theme underpinning your offending is your abuse of alcohol.

“You freely admit that you have no intention of stopping drinking other than when sobriety is enforced upon you, such as when you are in custody.

“Your anti-authority stance is reinforced by your drinking and association with likeminded peers when at liberty.”

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Henderson was found guilty in November. He was sentenced on Friday and narrowly avoided being assessed for an Order for Lifelong Restriction.

Along with the 14-year jail-term, Henderson will be supervised for a further four years after his release from prison.

He was also added to the sex offenders’ register for life and banned from contacting his victims.

Following the court case, Detective Inspector Gordon Patullo said: “Henderson will now have to face the consequences of his actions and I hope this sentence provides some form of comfort for his victims.

“Police Scotland is committed to bringing those responsible for sexual crimes to justice.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners to support victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

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