Man jailed for six years over Kirkcudbright rape
A man has been jailed for six years after raping a woman in Kirkcudbright in November 2012.
The jury heard how Thomas Connor's 47-year-old victim was repeatedly punched as he forced himself on her at the house in Dumfries and Galloway.
Connor, 40, had earlier been found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh
The court was told Connor had moved to Scotland because he wanted to get away from illegal activities in his native Northern Ireland.
Defence advocate Susan Duff told the court that apart from a series of minor offences in the early 1990s in Northern Ireland, Connor had no criminal record.
During the trial it was revealed that Connor - who gave his address as a guest house in King Street, Stranraer - was fuelled by alcohol and cannabis when he raped his victim.
Ms Duff said that since the attack Connor had taken steps to free himself from drink and drugs.
Judge Lord Armstrong told Connor rape was a grave crime and the courts would not shrink from imposing prison sentences.