Rapist who abused boy, 9, in Renfrewshire caged

Gary Ravenscroft preyed on his victim in Johnstone and Paisley between 2007 and 2011.

He has now been ordered to spend five years and 11 months behind bars after appearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

The victim, who was aged between nine and 12 when the abuse took place, said in an impact statement: “He hurt me and emotionally scarred me for life.”

Ravenscroft also admitted sexually abusing a seven-year-old boy in 2010.

Judge Lord Mulholland told him: “Your conduct towards these boys was disgraceful. You had medical problems but that is no excuse.

“On one occasion, you used a knife to carry out your sexual abuse.”

Defence counsel Tony Lenehan told the court 27-year-old Ravenscroft had undergone an operation to have "a massive brain tumour" removed.

The lawyer added: "He struggles to see back through the veil of the tumour, which caused his behaviour to be disinhibited.

"He himself was a child at the outset and during a substantial part of these offences.”

Ravenscroft admitted four charges, including raping one child.

Prosecutor Margaret Barron said the boy who was abused between 2007 and 2011 was first attacked while playing a games console.

Ravenscroft was later described as “aggressive” and threatened to “batter” the child.

The abuse stopped for a time while Ravenscroft recovered from brain surgery but he went on to prey on the boy again when he got out of hospital.

Prosecutors said this included him “presenting a knife” at the child before attacking him.

Ravenscroft was snared when the victim bravely went to police in early 2017.

It then emerged he had also molested another boy in 2010.

He admitted a charge of lewd and libidinous conduct in connection with that incident.

Ravenscroft, of Glasgow, also admitted failing to appear at the High Court in March last year.

He showed no emotion as he was led away to begin his prison sentence. He will be monitored in the community for three years after his release from jail.