Penicuik man convicted of sexual offences

A 41-year-old man from Penicuik was today found guilty at Livingston High Court of committing serious sexual offences against two women.

Sentence was deferred until 16 April at Glasgow High Court.

Shaun Jewiss was convicted of three offences including rape and indecent assault. The crimes committed against a former partner and a woman he met over the internet dated back to 2010 and took place within addresses in Edinburgh. He has been remanded in custody.

The Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector John Anderson said: “Police Scotland today welcome the conviction of Shaun Jewiss who has used the internet to identify vulnerable women throughout Scotland in order that he could commit horrendous sexual offences. Without doubt he represents a clear risk to women living in Scotland.

“Police Scotland has consistently said that rape and domestic abuse will be given the very highest priority and this conviction is a direct result of that commitment and of the resources that has been invested in this horrific area of criminality. This successful outcome would not have been possible without experienced and highly skilled Detectives working together across Scotland and adopting a proactive approach to policing in order to identify his victims and bring him before the courts.

“This has been an excellent example of specialist resources of Police Scotland working together and with the Crown Office to bring a dangerous man before the courts and to keep people safe.

“This case is typical of how rape and domestic abuse will be tackled by our national service. Victims often suffer in silence; however they should take confidence in outcomes such as this case and be assured that no matter how long ago these crimes are committed, Police Scotland will listen to them and be relentless in our desire to bring offenders to justice.”