Detectives have praised the victims of a vile sex attacker after he was caged for 15 years at the High Court.
Beast Graeme Brown, 33, raped eight women and indecently assaulted a man during his 13-year campaign of abuse.
He forced his victims — targeted in Erskine, Linwood and Paisley — to relive their ordeals in court.
Specialist officers from Renfrewshire’s Rape Investigation Unit spent four years building a case against fiend Brown before he was brought to justice
One of the detectives who led the team yesterday thanked the victims for coming forward to tell their story.
Detective Chief Inspector Fil Capaldi told the Express: “Following an extended and protracted investigation spanning four years, I’m delighted Brown has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his despicable crimes.
“I would like to pay tribute to all the victims for coming forward in this case.
“Their bravery in recounting their stories provided the evidence required to secure Brown’s conviction.
“Hopefully, they will take solace from the conviction and sentence and go on to rebuild their lives.
“I would also like to commend the officers from the divisional Rape Investigation Unit who painstakingly pieced together evidence against Brown over an extensive period of time.”
He added: “Time is no barrier when it comes to bringing individuals like Brown to justice for their crimes.
“I want to say to anyone who has been a victim of a sexual crime — we will give you a voice and you will be heard.”
As he sentenced Brown at the High Court earlier this week, Lord Tom Hughes also took time to praise the victims.
He said: “It is appropriate to pay tribute to the fact in very difficult circumstances witnesses have come to court and given their evidence in a very dignified way.”
Serial rapist Brown, formerly of Inchinnan Road, Renfrew, continues to protest his innocence.
His sickening crimes took place between February 2003 and July 2016.
Anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime can call Police Scotland on 101.
Rape Crisis Scotland can be reached on 08088 01 03 02.
