‘Cruel and cowardly’ Highland rapist jailed for seven years

A rapist who subjected two vulnerable young women to physical and emotional abuse in the Highlands has been jailed for seven years.

A judge told Owen Lonie, 25, he was “cruel and cowardly”.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Lonie – who was 17 when the offending started – urinated on the dog of one of his victims and also damaged her property.

Judge Michael O’Grady KC said Lonie should be banned from contacting or attempting to contact his victims for a period of 20 years.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register.

Lonie, formerly of Strathpeffer, denied a series of charges but was convicted of six offences – two of rape, two of assault and two of abusive behaviour.

His offending began in March 2018 and continued until November 2022, the court heard.

The crimes were committed at addresses in Dingwall, Alness and villages in the Highlands.

Judge O’Grady told Lonie that in his short life he had committed an “appalling catalogue of offences”.

He added: “They are grave because they are cruel and cowardly.

“They are crimes of violation and humiliation.”

Advocate depute Ali Murray told the court that both women had expressed a desire that non-harassment orders should be made for as long a period as possible.