Stealth sex offender jailed for years of abuse

A serial abuser with a catalog of crimes against women, including several ex-partners, has been jailed for 16 years.

Luke Ford’s 19 convictions include what is believed to be the first case of “sneaking up” in Scotland – where condoms Deleted or not used without partner’s knowledge,

Ford, 35, of Stirling, was jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh on charges of abuse against nine women – including raping six of them.

He was found to have subjected his victims to physical, mental and sexual abuse over a 12-year period, including strangulation, smashing one partner’s head against a car window and forcefully slapping another across the face.

It was also found that he took photographs of several women, often without their knowledge, and then threatened to share the images with their employers or family unless they did as he asked.

Det Inspector Steven Gray of Police Scotland described Ford as “a dangerous and cunning sexual predator”.

The “secret” affair concerns a woman he met on the dating app Tinder.

After a few dates they discussed having sex and the woman insisted that he had to wear a condom, but after they had sex he told her that he was not wearing one.

He said that if she became pregnant she should take pills in the morning or get an abortion.

She sent the message: “Just get the pill and get rid of it if you’re pregnant.”

The woman was upset and shocked, calling Ford’s behavior “violating.”

There have been only two previous successful prosecutions for theft in the UK, in England in 2019 and earlier this year.

Ford was described in court as a “jobber” actor and model who preyed on women he met through dating apps.

He claimed to be one of Brad Pitt’s stand-ins when the Hollywood star filmed world War Z In Glasgow in 2013. He also appeared in the Deacon Blue music video.

Many victims described Ford’s abusive and controlling behavior, which caused them to become isolated from friends and family as well as fear for their safety.

Det Inspector Gray said the victims’ testimony made a “huge contribution” to Ford’s conviction.

He added, “I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes will help him move on with his life.”

Procurator Fiscal for Scotland for Sexual Offenses at the High Court, Katrina Parkes, said Ford was prepared to use manipulation, force or intimidation to carry out his abuse.

She said: “He showed a disregard for the importance of consent between partners.

“It is significant that our prosecutors were able to prove Ford’s failure to use a condom during sex, without his then-partner’s consent, constituted rape, among the many crimes he committed.”

He said he hoped his victims would be “relieved” at the sentence.

Lawyers acting for Ford and the Crown had debated whether he should be ordered to impose a lifetime ban.

Lord Summers at the High Court in Edinburgh refused to enforce the order, saying there was “reason to think” that Ford might be amenable to the change, citing his relative youth and willingness to attend educational workshops. Are.

Lord Summers told Ford that he would be monitored for five years after his release from custody.

Ford was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.