A top cop has commended the victims of a violent rapist after his conviction in Glasgow.

Charles Connell was sentenced to seven years for various sexual and violent crimes which occurred over a 22-year period from 1988 to 2010.

The 53-year-old raped and assaulted one woman to the danger of her life.

He raped another before indecently and physically attacking a third.

Connell was further convicted of assaulting a man to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment including leaving him with a broken cheekbone.

Following his sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Iain Nelson has spoken about the bravery of Connell's victims in helping with the investigation. 

He said: “We acknowledge how difficult this has been for Connell’s victims. This was a complex and lengthy investigation for officers.

"However, their commitment and engagement during our inquiry and this trial has ensured that he now faces the consequences of his depraved and despicable crimes."

One of Connell's victims was attacked repeatedly over several years and was punched, slapped, kicked, had a knife brandished at her and knocked unconscious.

One incident that 'set off' Connell involved a row about shepherd's pie and "her preference for mince and potatoes".

An earlier victim was raped having got to know Connell when she was a teenager, and was able to recall what she was wearing during one attack more than 30 years earlier.

The other rape victim was preyed upon in the mid-1990s.

DCI Nelson added: "Our thoughts remain with them and I hope this sentencing gives them some comfort and assists them in moving forward.

“I hope this outcome will give confidence to victims of such crimes to come forward, knowing that we will carry out a robust investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

"No matter how much time has passed, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by our officers and our partner agencies.”