Sales manager jailed for sexually assaulting women while they slept

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A sales manager from West Yorkshire has been jailed for a spate of offences – including multiple rapes – that he committed while living in Scotland.

James McCall, 49, preyed on two women during a period of offending spanning 12 years between 2007 and 2019.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said his criminal behaviour included sexually assaulting his victims while they were asleep and unable to give consent.

Judge Lord Colbeck told the accused: “Each of the charges of rape involved a complainer who was incapable of giving or withholding consent.

“You took advantage of them in the most appalling manner imaginable.”

The judge described the victim impact statements as “truly harrowing reading”.

He added: “It is clear that your offending behaviour has occasioned each of them what might properly be described as severe psychological harm or trauma.

“That has had a significant effect upon them both and will continue to do so.”

McCall, from Pudsey in Leeds, denied any wrongdoing but was last month found guilty of nine charges following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was convicted of two counts of assault, two counts of threatening or abusive behaviour, four counts of rape, and a single count of abusive behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner.

McCall returned to the dock on Wednesday and was handed a 17-year extended sentence, with 12 years in jail and five years on licence once released back into the community.

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Lord Colbeck highlighted a criminal justice social work report which reported McCall had shown “no insight” into his offending behaviour.

The judge said: “You continue to deny any meaningful responsibility for the offences of which you have been convicted and minimise the severity of such conduct as you do now accept.

“You attribute blame to each of your victims.”

McCall was additionally added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and banned from contacting his victims.

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Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for high court sexual offences, said: “The despicable behaviour of James McCall has caused untold trauma to victims and their families.

“I commend the bravery of these women in speaking out. Because of them, our expert prosecutors were able to ensure McCall has faced the consequences of his vile offending.”

Detective Inspector Gary Smillie also praised the women’s bravery.

He said: “McCall is an abusive individual who has shown no remorse for his violent and abusive actions.

“His offending had a profound effect on the victims and I would like to commend them for their strength in coming forward and during the investigation.

“I hope this sentencing goes some way to acknowledge this and brings them some comfort as they move forward in their lives.”