A man jailed for 10 years for rape, sexual assault and violence against two women has launched a bid to be freed from prison. John Houston, 39, of Leven, Fife, has instructed his legal team to challenge his conviction.
Crimes between 2020 and 2023
A court heard this month that Houston committed his crimes between 2020 and 2023. As well as the attacks, he left his victims feeling trapped and terrified, body-shamed them and monitored their use of social media.
Houston denied any wrongdoing and accused the women of conspiracy, but was convicted of rape, sexual assault and threatening behaviour and jailed for 10 years.
Appeal lodged at High Court
An “intimation to appeal conviction” has been lodged at the High Court of Appeal in Edinburgh. A source said: “Houston made his victims give evidence but to appeal his conviction shows he has no remorse.
“He should accept his punishment for his unforgivable crimes and allow his victims to rebuild their lives.”
Judge's sentencing remarks
Houston raped the women repeatedly, causing one of them to bleed. The court heard victims felt “frightened, trapped, humiliated and as though they were never quite good enough”.
Sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Matt Jackson told him: “You abused them in numerous different ways. You belittled them. You behaved in a deliberately controlling and terrifying manner.
“You have done whatever you can to diminish the confidence and strength of your victims.
“Your victims showed enormous courage and resolve in firstly reporting your crimes to the police and thereafter giving evidence against you.”
