Unemployed Kevin Vivers, from Bathgate, West Lothian, was found guilty of 27 charges including nine rapes as well as serious sexual and physical assaults.

Five of the charges involved animal cruelty, the jury hearing how Vivers kicked and punched pet dogs, slashed the throats of some and drowned others.

During trial at the High Court in Livingston late last year, one woman told how she was repeatedly kicked on the head and body during an attack by Vivers.

Another was subjected to serious sexual assaults while she slept. One victim was 14 years old when she was sexually assaulted by Vivers. He went on to physically attack and rape her when she was an adult.

Prosecutors presented details of offences committed between 1985 and 2000, as Vivers, 58, was sentenced.

Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said: “Kevin Vivers is a habitual offender who has subjected women to appalling physical and sexual assaults over more than three decades.

“We hope it is some reassurance to others – and comfort to his victims – that his criminal behaviour has been brought to an end by today’s sentence.

“As prosecutors, we are grateful for the courage of his victims. They bravely spoke out in the pursuit of justice, even when the offending occurred some years ago.

“I would encourage all victims or witnesses of similar offending to come forward, report it and seek support.”