Man accused of attacks on three women

A MAN has gone on trial accused of trying to murder three pregnant women and raping two of them.

James Paterson, 23, is accused of a string of assaults against the women at addresses in Fife and Edinburgh.

He went on trial at the High Court in Aberdeen yesterday and lodged documents claiming he was defending himself against all three of the women.

Paterson’s first alleged victim broke down in tears as she told the court how he tried to set her on fire with a deodorant can, stabbed her in the hand with a penknife and turned her into a “nervous wreck”.

The woman, 22, said she had to be taken to hospital after he stabbed her on Boxing Day.

Paterson is accused of trying to murder all three women, endangering their lives and leaving them severely injured and permanently disfigured.

He is further accused of attacking two babies, sending threatening text messages and failing to appear in court.

The trial continues.