A DUNFERMLINE sex attacker who preyed on three terrified former partners has been locked up for eight years.

Mark Wallace raped two of the women and indecently assaulted the third during a 16-year campaign of abuse.

The victims often suffered at his violent hands when he was drunk – battered and branded names such as “fat cow” and “slag”.

He told one he could not have raped her – as he was her lover.

The crimes occurred at a string of locations including Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy as well as Glasgow's east end between 1999 and 2015.

Wallace was sentenced after being convicted of rape, assault and indecent assault following a trial in Livingston.

The High Court in Glasgow heard today (Thursday) that the 38-year-old continues to protest his innocence.

Lord Burns said it was clear Wallace had “controlled and demoralised” the victims during the “unrelenting” abuse.

The judge also remarked on victim impact statements made by the traumatised women.

He added: “They show quite clearly the devastating effect your behaviour has had and the effect that will be felt for the rest of their lives.”

Wallace, also of Dunfermline, will be supervised for a further five years on his release.

He was further placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

One victim told jurors that “sex without consent could be every other day”.

She added: “If I did not, I was going to get a sore face, black eye or something.

Another said Wallace was “not bothered” when told he had raped her.

He was said to have told her: “It couldn't be? I'm your boyfriend.”

The third recalled how indecent assaults ended up feeling “normal”.

Wallace had claimed during his trial that the women had “lied” about him.

The court heard today he is in another relationship having got married recently.

Wallace became the subject of a major investigation by Fife's Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit (DAIU) after his victims came forward to report the crimes.

As a result of these inquiries, Wallace was subsequently arrested and charged in March 2017.

Detective Inspector Hannah Morrison, from Fife's DAIU, said: “Over the course of 16 years, Mark Wallace subjected these women to prolonged periods of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. He has demonstrated himself to be a callous and predatory individual with no remorse for the impact his crimes have had on his victims.

"I would like to commend the outstanding bravery of these women in coming forward to report these crimes, which has been vital in securing these convictions. Wallace will now serve a significant custodial sentence and will thereafter be subject to monitoring and supervision so that he cannot inflict harm on any further victims.

"Tackling domestic crime in all its forms remains one of Police Scotland’s top priorities and whenever these offences are brought to our attention, we will conduct a thorough investigation to bring perpetrators to justice.”