A sales manager from West Yorkshire has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of disturbing offences, including multiple rapes, committed over more than a decade while residing in Scotland.
James McCall, 49, originally from Pudsey in Leeds, targeted two women between 2007 and 2019. According to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), his crimes included sexually assaulting the victims while they were asleep and therefore incapable of consenting.
During sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Lord Colbeck condemned McCall’s actions, describing them as “the most appalling manner imaginable.”
He highlighted that all the rape charges involved victims who were unable to give or withhold consent and called the impact statements “truly harrowing”.
“It is clear your behaviour has inflicted what can only be described as severe psychological trauma,” Lord Colbeck said, adding that the effects on the victims will be long-lasting.
McCall, who denied all allegations, was convicted last month of nine charges: four rapes, two assaults, two counts of threatening or abusive behaviour, and one count of abusive behaviour towards a partner or former partner.
He has now received an extended sentence of 17 years – 12 years to be served in custody and an additional five years on licence. He has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and issued with a non-contact order prohibiting communication with his victims.
The judge cited a criminal justice social work report which found McCall demonstrated “no insight” into his crimes. “You continue to deny any meaningful responsibility and have sought to minimise your actions while blaming your victims,” Lord Colbeck stated.
Katrina Parkes, Procurator Fiscal for High Court sexual offences, praised the victims’ courage: “James McCall’s despicable conduct caused deep and lasting trauma. Thanks to the bravery of these women, justice has been served.”
Detective Inspector Gary Smillie also commended the survivors, noting: “McCall is an abusive individual who has shown no remorse. I hope this sentencing brings some measure of comfort to those he harmed.”
