A rapist who preyed on young girls for more than a decade has been jailed for 15 years.
Robert Foulkes, 65, raped two of his victims and subjected a third to indecent conduct during a campaign of abuse spanning 12 years.
The retired health and safety officer targeted the youngsters in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said Foulkes used a mobile phone to film himself abusing one girl before showing her the footage.
He also admitted causing two of the children to watch pornography before sexually abusing them.
One girl, who was just eight when the abuse began, was preyed on between 2006 and 2010.
Between 2013 and 2018, Foulkes went on to rape two others.
During Foulkes’ court case, advocate depute Brian Gill KC said the accused told one victim the abuse was “their little secret”.
Judge Lord Young said victim impact statements provided by two of the girls revealed the impact of Foulkes’ crimes on their health and education.
The judge told the rapist he had shown “limited appreciation of the harm which you have caused”.
Foulkes, formerly of Aberdeen, pleaded guilty to three charges at the High Court in Edinburgh last month.
He admitted lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour; the rape and sexual assault of a young child; and the rape of another young child.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Tap here
Defence counsel Neil Shand told the court Foulkes – who underwent a heart transplant a year ago – advised him that the offending was connected to alcohol abuse on his part.
The lawyer added: “He is genuinely remorseful for his behaviour.”
Read more from Sky News:
Baby born after mother dies in tower block fall
Man charged with murder of mother-of-six
Foulkes returned for sentencing on Tuesday. He was handed an 18-year extended sentence, with 15 years in jail and three years on licence once released back into the community.
In addition to being placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, he was also banned from contacting his victims.
Detective Inspector Bruce Buntain said Foulkes is now facing the consequences of his “despicable actions”.
Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s procurator fiscal for high court sexual offending, added: “Robert Foulkes posed a significant danger to children through his predatory behaviour.
“The trauma suffered by the victims was at the forefront of our minds during this prosecution.
“It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Foulkes and his offending that he has now been brought to justice.”
