Pervert faces jail over 40 years of abuse

A PERVERT who repeatedly raped a woman and sexually assaulted four young girls over a 40-year period is facing a lengthy prison sentence.

Robert Clyde, 69, wept after being convicted on a total of 13 charges at the High Court in Edinburgh today.

The serial sex fiend was snared by police after he repeatedly raped a woman – who cannot be named for legal reasons – over a two-day period at his Edinburgh home in January 2011.

Detectives charged with investigating Clyde delved into the Irishman’s past – and uncovered evidence that he started abusing children in November 1970.

Officers also discovered that he also physically assaulted two young boys – who also cannot be identified for legal reasons – over a 16-year period which began in January 1970.

One of his male victims was just four years old when Clyde started hitting him with a dog lead.

Clyde, of Hay Gardens, Niddrie, pleaded not guilty to the charges, but after a week long trial, a jury returned guilty verdicts to a string of rape, sexual assault and assault charges.

After hearing how Clyde suffered from poor health and needed medication, temporary judge John Beckett QC remanded the first offender into custody.

Deferring sentence on Clyde for reports about his character, judge Beckett said: “The offences you have been convicted of are extremely grave.

“The offences will result in you being given a prison sentence. I need to defer sentence in order to obtain reports but I will remand you in custody.

“I am satisfied that you will be able to obtain the medicine you need in prison.”