In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Philip Berry, then 60, from the Fife area, was sentenced to 16 years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh. Berry, described by police as a “violent and depraved” sexual offender, carried out a “vicious” and “serious” campaign of abuse against women spanning over four decades. The investigation by Police Scotland revealed that his “horrific” crimes, which included multiple rapes and attempted rapes, occurred between 1980 and 2023.
The court heard horrendous details of Berry’s “vile” behaviour, which involved not only sexual violence but also “serious” physical assaults. Detective Inspector Frank Keegan reported that the victims had been “deeply impacted” by his actions over the 43 years. The prosecution emphasised that Berry’s “vicious” and long-term predation across Fife and surrounding areas only came to an end due to the “extraordinary courage” and strength of the women who came forward to provide information to the police.
During the sentencing on 13 January 2026, the judge emphasised the “serious” nature of Berry’s “depraved” and “vile” history of offending. The court reported that the 16-year sentence was a necessary measure to protect the public from a man who had shown a “vicious” commitment to abusing women for the majority of his adult life. Police Scotland reiterated their commitment to investigating “vile” sexual abuse no matter how long ago it occurred, praising the survivors for ensuring Berry faced the consequences of his actions.
As a result of his guilty plea to multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, and serious assault, Philip Berry was jailed for 16 years. He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and will be subject to strict licensing conditions upon any eventual release. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland, ensuring his behaviour is strictly monitored to prevent any further “vile” or “predatory” harm. Any breach of his conditions in Fife, Edinburgh, or elsewhere will result in his immediate arrest and detention.
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