A RAPIST who went AWOL during his trial has been convicted in his absence.

David McCue was today found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 40-year-old repeatedly raped a woman in the city's Townhead and Barlanark between 2010 and 2018.

This included while she was asleep and unable to consent.

McCue was also convicted of two charges of sexually assaulting a girl between 2012 and 2018.

McCue, of the city's Springboig, had originally took his place in the dock for the trial.

But, last Friday morning - just as his defence advocate was to start her closing speech to jurors - it emerged he was not at court.

McCue had reportedly later been in touch with others and was said to be "safe and well".

However, he was not back for his trial when it resumed on Monday.

After the verdict today, prosecutor Paul Kearney KC said: "He failed to appear on Friday and a warrant was granted.

"Efforts have been ongoing to trace and apprehend him, but he has not yet been apprehended."

Judge Olga Pasportnikov deferred sentencing initially until Friday of this week in the hope McCue can be brought to court.

He also has to personally appear to be placed on the sex offenders list as a result of his conviction.