A rapist who sprayed one of his victims with aftershave and attempted to control her appearance has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Lee Mulholland, 38, abused two women during a campaign of violent and sexual abuse between 2019 and 2022.

Mulholland, from Bathgate in West Lothian, subjected one woman to repeated assaults over a two-year period.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said he isolated her from her family and friends, monitored her movements, threatened to harm her dog and compelled her to hand over money.

Mulholland would also spray the woman with men’s aftershave and deodorant and attempted to control her appearance.

A second woman was sexually assaulted while asleep and unable to give consent. COPFS said after she woke up, Mulholland raped her.

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Mulholland was in June convicted of three charges, including two rapes, following a trial at Livingston High Court.

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Judge William Gallacher noted that Mulholland held a criminal record but had not previously served a custodial sentence.

He also highlighted analysis by the author of the criminal justice social work report, which warned Mulholland posed a high risk of committing further violent, sexual and controlling crimes.

Judge Gallacher stated: “I note that in the course of the trial you denied any of the allegations against you.

“The inevitable consequence of that is that you have manifested no remorse whatsoever in relation to your offending behaviour and the extensive impact which that has had upon those who were the victims of your behaviour.”

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At the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, Mulholland was handed a 12-and-a-half-year extended sentence, with seven-and-a-half years in jail and five years on licence once released back into the community.

Mulholland was also added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and has been banned from contacting his victims.

Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s procurator fiscal for high court sexual offending, said: “Lee Mulholland is a dangerous offender who subjected these women to an appalling catalogue of violent and sexual abuse.

“The bravery of his victims in reporting him to the authorities shows immense strength and courage, for which they should be commended.

“I hope this prosecution and conviction brings some comfort as Mulholland now faces the consequences of his depraved behaviour.”

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