A dating app conman with victims across Scotland has been convicted of multiple sexual and violent offences.

Christopher Harkins, 37, was found guilty of violent and serious sexual offences, including rape, by a jury at Paisley High Court on Monday.

The crimes took place between 2013 and 2019 and involved women across Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Paisley, Inverclyde, Edinburgh, Stirling and West Lothian. 

The Gazette:

The 37-year-old would meet women through online dating apps, and once he developed relationships with them he used violent means to manipulate, threaten and control his victims.

He also used them to obtain money which he used to fund his extravagant lifestyle. 

Harkins had previously pleaded guilty to financial abuse offences in January 2024.

He will be sentenced on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

His conviction comes after a proactive investigation by Police Scotland's Domestic Abuse Taskforce which began in October 2019.

Detective Inspector Iain Renfrew slammed Harkins and praised the victims for their bravery in sharing their testimony in the trial.

He said: “Christopher Harkins is a violent and contemptible individual who preyed on woman looking for love and companionship.

"He made them believe they were in a loving and exclusive relationship but that was nowhere near the truth.

“His only motive was money. Harkins met the woman through a dating app and once he had formed relationships with them he turned to manipulation, threats, coercive control and violence to obtain thousands of pounds which he used to fund his very lavish lifestyle.

“The fact that he had been convicted is a tremendous credit to the women who came forward to police. Their testimony is why he has been convicted today.

“This case highlights that domestic abuse is not just physical or sexual, it includes abusive behaviours or financial abuse. It is often about power and control and can have life-changing consequences for victims.

"We sincerely hope that today’s conviction gives confidence to others who may experience anything similar to come forward, safe in the knowledge that police will investigate.”