Rapist dubbed ‘pure evil’ who sexually abused young girls while caring for children sentenced to six years in prison

A serial sex attacker dubbed “pure evil” has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Ian Dunlop preyed on three young girls during a long campaign of abuse.

A 61-year-old man who began sexually abusing girls when he was 12 has been sentenced by the High Court in Glasgow.

Dunlop targeted victims in the Ayrshire area for five years after he was asked to look after three children.

On 28 May 2024, following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, he was found guilty of a number of historical sexual offense charges.

Dunlop, of Troon, was previously convicted on a total of six charges in an earlier trial.

He was found guilty of raping each victim, as well as lewd and lascivious behavior towards minors.

The crimes took place between 1975 and 1980 in Ayrshire.

Judge Douglas Brown told Dunlop that the first victim had been abused so often that she had “lost count”.

He added: “It happened so often that she started to think it was normal. You kept telling her it was a secret.

“The lasting impact on her is obvious. She could barely bring herself to say your name as proof and broke down in tears.

– She says you ruined her life.

The hearing was told that the second victim also suffered serious trauma.

Judge Brown said: “The lasting impact he has had on her again is obvious from her distress.

“She described you as ‘pure evil’ and explained the devastating impact your behavior had on her, stating that it had changed her life forever.”

The court was told Dunlop “destroyed” the life of the latest rape victim.

Judge Brown noted that the six-year sentence was less than it could have been.

He highlighted a number of factors, including Dunlop’s age at the time, almost 45 years since the offenses and the fact that he had not reoffended, as well as the rapist’s current poor health.

Dunlop was placed on the sex offenders’ list for an indefinite period.

He was also banned from approaching or contacting the victims.

Scottish Sex Crimes Prosecutor Katrina Parkes said: “Ian Dunlop put young girls at risk for several years and took advantage of their position of trust in the worst possible way.

“The trauma these victims suffered was paramount to us as we worked to secure a conviction.

“It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Dunlop’s crime that he was brought to justice. They should be commended for their bravery and bravery.

“We encourage anyone who has experienced a similar crime to come forward – regardless of how long it has been.

“You will be heard, and we will strive to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”