Ian Ramsay, a farmhand from Kelso in the Borders, subjected partners and ex-partners to serious sexual attacks and violence.

He also stalked other women with whom he had never been in a relationship. He targeted them with terrifying and unwanted approaches after bumping into them at local venues.

Ramsay, 49, was found guilty on 16 charges, include five rapes, at the High Court in Edinburgh in May.

The jury heard how Ramsay – also known by the first name Ewart – conducted a long campaign of abusing women, using blackmail, threats, stalking and violence. Some victims were followed by Ramsay and bombarded with messages, phone calls and gifts.

Others were blackmailed with threats of revealing personal photos. Two victims were raped while they slept, several were physically and sexually assaulted. Ramsay was convicted of offences against nine women between 2014 and 2020. Most assaults took place in towns near his home in the Borders.

Returning to court for sentencing on Friday, Ramsay was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment and a three-year extended sentence. He was further made subject to a 20-year non-harassment order banning him from contacting or approaching his victims – or attempting to do so – and he was added to the sex offenders register.

Procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, Fraser Gibson, said: “Ian Ramsay carried out appalling offences against women over the course of many years. His criminal behaviour was persistent and wicked but has been brought to an end by the courage of his victims in speaking out.

“We welcome today’s sentence and hope that it provides some small comfort for the women he terrorised. The Crown is committed to the fair and effective prosecution of sexual offences and I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of similar offending to come forward and seek support.”