THE Lochgelly man responsible for a pattern of domestic abuse, which included a series of physical and sexual assaults on women was brought top Court after an eight month long operation.

At Livingston High Court on Monday October 16, Michael Gray was found guilty of 18 offences, which took place in the Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath areas of Fife between 1987 and 2012.

Following reports received about Gray, Police Scotland's Domestic Abuse Task Force conducted a robust investigation into the 50-year-old, identifying a number of victims who made reports including rape, indecent assault, attempted rape, serious assault and attempted murder.

Over the course of eight months of detailed inquiries a significant case was built up against Gray resulting in his conviction by a jury.

Detective Chief Inspector Debra Forrester, from the DATF said: "Michael Gray is a dangerous and predatory man who committed a campaign of violent and sexual crime against women who trusted him over a period of 25 years.

"The courage of the victims who spoke out against him should be commended and I hope it encourages others who are suffering domestic abuse to have confidence that they will be taken seriously, by both the police and our partners, if they come forward.

"This conviction shows that perpetrators of domestic abuse will be targeted and face consequences, irrespective of when their crimes were committed.”