'Depraved' rapist who used his pet shop and go-karting links to target women and girls jailed indefinitely

A "depraved" rapist who preyed on women and girls for almost two decades has been handed a lifelong sentence with at least eight-and-a-half years in jail.

Paul Patrick, 61, was earlier this month found guilty of 19 offences, including multiple rapes and sexual assaults, following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

A background report prepared for his sentencing on Wednesday recorded that the businessman has an anti-social, narcissistic, psychopathic disorder and poses a high risk.

Judge Lord Stuart told the predator: "Your actions have caused severe psychological and emotional harm."

Patrick targeted the two women and four girls at locations across Scotland, including at his pet shop in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, between 2006 and 2023.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said Patrick, of Ballater in Aberdeenshire, used the same pattern of behaviour to get close to the six victims.

He then manipulated and exploited their individual vulnerabilities, often with promises of love and marriage.

COPFS said the court also heard how he used his links to go-karting to abuse one of the children.

In addition to the rapes and sexual assaults, he was also convicted of lewd behaviour, indecent communications and breaching bail.

Patrick was sentenced to an order for lifelong restriction (OLR) with a minimum of eight-and-a-half years in jail.

An OLR is a lifelong sentence with a minimum jail term that is usually reserved for the most serious court cases in Scotland that do not involve murder.

Once released back into the community, Patrick will remain under a risk management plan.

Patrick was additionally placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, and was banned from contacting his victims.

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Faye Cook, procurator fiscal for high court sexual offences, said: "Paul Patrick poses a significant danger to women and girls, and his offending has inflicted lasting trauma.

"Evidence led by our prosecutor showed a clear pattern of behaviour that he used which allowed him to gain access to these victims and then perpetrate his crimes against them.

"It is thanks to them sharing their experiences that Patrick will now face the consequences of his depraved actions."

Detective Inspector Kerry McCombie also praised the strength shown by the complainers.

The Police Scotland officer added: "Patrick believed he was above the law, carrying out a sustained pattern of abuse over many years, but he will now face the consequences of his despicable actions."

(c) Sky News 2026: 'Depraved' rapist who used his pet shop and go-karting links to target women and girl