In 2024, Kevin Vivers, the Armadale Animal Abuser Rapist, was convicted of raping women and killing animals over a span of three decades, supported by Police Scotland, and received a life sentence.
Kevin Vivers, 58, perpetrated attacks, sexual assaults, and rapes against female victims and committed acts of animal cruelty.
His offences in West Lothian and Stirlingshire extend from his teenage years in 1985 to 2021.
The High Court in Edinburgh issued a lifelong restriction order on Kevin Vivers, mandating a minimum prison term of 10 years.
Lord Lake informed Kevin Vivers: “I must clarify that this does not imply your automatic release at the conclusion of that period.”
He informed the sex offender that release from incarceration would only occur if parole authorities were convinced that his liberation would not jeopardise public safety.
Expert assessments conducted on Kevin Vivers determined that he posed a significant risk.
Lord Lake informed him: “Your transgressions are of a grave nature, even when considered separately.” When analysed together, they reveal a corrupt pattern of behaviour.
Kevin Vivers initially refuted a multitude of allegations during his prior trial but was ultimately found guilty of 27 offences, comprising nine counts of rape, seven counts of assault, four counts of sexual assault, and five counts of animal cruelty.
He informed the court through a video link from prison: “I have been punished for something that is unequivocally unproven.”
Kevin Vivers lacked legal representation during the sentencing hearing after terminating his legal team earlier in the week.
Lord Lake provided him the opportunity to mentor new solicitors for the sentencing.
The judge remarked, “It appears you are manipulating the system to evade the repercussions of your actions.”
Kevin Vivers assaulted his initial female victim in 1985 at the age of 19. He inflicted multiple instances of violence and sexual assault upon the woman.
She experienced verbal abuse, was shoved, assaulted, and punched in the head and body at multiple locations in West Lothian. The woman’s mistreatment persisted until 1990.
His initial incident of animal cruelty occurred in 1985 when he commenced repeatedly striking a dog and kicking a cat.
Between October 1993 and October 1994, Kevin Vivers struck a second lady in the head, and in 2007 and 2008, he perpetrated multiple rapes and attacks against a third woman.
A fourth lady was subjected to rape, as well as verbal and physical abuse by him from March 2008 until May 2012.
During this period, he also assaulted two dogs by lifting them by their collars, striking them with sticks, and kicking them.
Kevin Vivers also acted indecently against a minor when she was 13 or 14 at a pitch in Denny, Stirlingshire, on an occasion between October 1991 and October 1993.
He placed her on the ground, positioned himself atop her, and thereafter battered and raped her in a residence in Bathgate.
At the same location, he also murdered two dogs by shooting one and slitting the throat of the other.
From May 2017 to July 2019, Kevin Vivers perpetrated rape and physical and sexual crimes against another woman in Bathgate.
A last victim was sexually abused by Kevin Vivers at a residence in Armadale when he made sexual remarks, caressed her leg, and persistently attempted to kiss her.
Detective Chief Inspector Steven McMillan stated: “This case was challenging due to the appalling nature of Kevin Vivers’s offences and the abhorrent animal cruelty that persisted for many years.”
I wish to clarify to all individuals who have endured sexual abuse that there is no statute of limitations for reporting these offences. I urge all victims to come forward and report the incident to law enforcement.
Kevin Vivers has been permanently registered as a sex offender.
Lord Lake issued directives forbidding Kevin Vivers from directly or indirectly communicating with his victims.
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