A sex predator who raped a 15-year-old stranger in a car park has been jailed for seven years.

Robert Kennedy, 43, had plied the girl with drink and drugs before the attack in Merkland Street in Glasgow's Partick on September 24 2021.

The former commercial boat skipper struck while awaiting sentence for a crime involving the use of a needle. He was also the subject of two bail orders.

Kennedy, latterly of the city's Tradeston, was convicted of rape following a trial last month.

He was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.

Lord Arthurson described the girl as "highly vulnerable".

Sentencing, the judge went on: "You did not know your victim. It is plain you provided her with alcohol and street Valium on the day of and prior to this crime.

"The damage inflicted by you is incalculable.

"As at the date of this offence, you were on a deferred sentence for offending with a hypodermic needle.

"The (pre-sentencing) report confirms you present a significant risk of harm - in particular a high risk to lone females."

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Kennedy - who had already served a number of jail-terms - will also be supervised for further three years on his release.

He was put on the sex offenders list indefinitely.

The court heard that Kennedy continues to maintain his innocence.

Janice Green, defending, said: "Standing his position, I would say very little about the offence itself."