A Scots serial sex offender has been jailed for a decade after a string of 'horrific' rapes and sex attacks against women and children over a nearly 30-year period.
Edwin Cuschieri, from Orkney, was found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh of six charges, including rapes, sexual assaults and indecent assaults against two women and a number of children on the island between 1988 and 2016.
The 67-year-old has now been handed a 10 year sentence and placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Chief Inspector Donald Macdonald, of the Public Protection Unit, welcomed the sentence and praised the 'strength' and 'bravery' of victims in coming forward.
He said: "Cuschieri is a serial domestic abuser whose offending behaviour spans 28 years and will no doubt have left his victims deeply affected for the rest of their lives.
"Cuschieri must now face the consequences for his horrific behaviour.
"I would like to thank the victims for having the strength to come forward and report the abuse they endured, and for the courage they have shown throughout the investigation.
"The bravery to tell their story has resulted in Cuschieri being convicted.
"I hope today's outcome gives them some sort of closure and sends a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated and offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
"Police Scotland is committed to tackling domestic abuse and no one should ever feel they are alone or in a position of fear.
"We have specially trained officers who are there to target domestic abusers and support victims.
"I would encourage anyone to report domestic abuse in any form, as all reports will be thoroughly investigated.
"We will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure victims of domestic abuse are supported and to ensure their safety and wellbeing."
