A RAPIST who poses a 'serious' risk of re-offending has been given an eight-year sentence for subjecting three young women to serious sexual assaults in Inverclyde and elsewhere.

Jordan Richford, 30, preyed on the teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at locations in Ayrshire, Glasgow and here between July 2010 and August 2013.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Richford was a teenager when he started his offending.

Judge Thomas Welsh KC heard how he repeatedly raped two of his victims and committed sexual assaults on all three complainers.

On Monday, a lawyer for Richford, who was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow earlier his year, addressed Judge Welsh in the Scottish capital.

Advocate Gareth Jones KC told the court that his client still maintained the position he had at his trial and that he believed he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

The lawyer said his client was a teenager at the time of the offences.

He added: “I do invite your lordship to take into account his young age at the time of these offences.”

However, Judge Welsh told Richford, a remand prisoner who observed proceedings via video link from prison, that he had to go to jail for his crimes.

Passing sentence, Judge Welsh spoke of what Richford told a social worker who had been appointed by the court to write a report into his background.

Judge Welsh said: “The reporter says that you have justified, minimised and denied your actions towards your victims.

“You have shown little remorse and you have been assessed as posing a serious risk of further sexual offending.

“The damage you have caused is incalculable.”

Judge Welsh also ordered Richford to be supervised for three years following his release from custody. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Inspector Russell Paton said: “Richford was an abusive individual and will now face the consequences of his despicable crimes in jail.

“My thoughts are with these women who showed immense strength in coming forward and assisting our investigation. I hope this sentencing brings them some form of comfort.

“If anyone is experiencing or has experienced any type of violence or sexual abuse we have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies."