AN AYRSHIRE thug who tormented four women, raping two of them, and also attacked a dog has been jailed for 12 years.

Steven McKnight, 43, was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow for a string of sickening crimes including raping two of his victims.

The crimes occurred in North and South Ayrshire between 2010 and 2022.

McKnight initially preyed on the first woman by brandishing knives at her, making threats as well as hounding her by phone and social media.

She also suffered by having darts chucked at her, was pushed down stairs, and had her face burned with a cigarette.

The woman, who was left scarred for life, was further smacked with a baseball bat and a dog lead.

Jurors heard McKnight was sexually violent and raped her at a house.

A second woman was raped and physically assaulted. 

Controlling McKnight monitored where she went, mocked her appearance, and tried to keep her away from family.

He left a third woman in fear after shouting offensive remarks at her while clutching a sledgehammer.

The final victim suffered a miserable time at his hands which included him criticising her home, being aggressive and damaging her property.

Prosecutors stated that McKnight also grabbed a dog by the throat and kicked the defenceless animal.

McKnight was convicted of a total of 11 charges following a trial in July, including assaults, rape and threats towards the first woman.

He was further guilty of rape, sexual assault, repeated violence and engaging in abusive behaviour towards the second victim.

McKnight was convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour involving the incident with the sledgehammer.

Jurors also found him guilty of engaging in abusive behaviour with the final woman which included the attack on the dog.

He was separately convicted of threats towards a child.

Sentencing, Lord Colbeck also ordered McKnight be supervised for a further five years on his release.