Rapist jailed for 11 years after luring young victims to his home
Scott Hanlon, 35, subjected his victims to degrading behaviour at his home in Stirling.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A serial rapist who exploited his young victims through online chat sites and lured them to his home where he would make them wear dog collars has been jailed for 11 years.
Scott Hanlon, 35, also known as Scott Lannister, degraded and abused his young victims after they accepted offers to live at his flat.
Hanlon was found guilty of three sexual offence charges and two counts under domestic abuse legislation at the High Court in Stirling in February.
The offences are believed to have taken place between 2018 and 2020.
He repeatedly subjected victims to serious physical and sexual assaults, including rape, and compelled them to wear dog masks and collars.
He also took their money and kept them locked up.
Prosecutors demonstrated both victims suffered abusive, controlling behaviour, leaving them terrified of Hanlon, from Stirling.
One of his teenage victims suffered a debilitating medical condition and was unable to defend themselves from the attacks.
I would urge anyone who wishes to report an offence of this nature to come forward, regardless of the passage of time. We will investigate it thoroughly and you will be fully supported
Hanlon was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday and was also handed a lifetime non-harassment order, preventing him from approaching or contacting his victims, and was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Fraser Gibson, procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said Hanlon’s victims had suffered terribly at the hands of someone they trusted.
He said: “Scott Hanlon manipulated vulnerable people – much younger than himself – for his own depraved ends.
“The victims endured appalling ordeals while being controlled and manipulated. It has taken great bravery on their part to speak out against him and report the crimes.
“We hope today’s sentence offers them some degree of comfort as they attempt to move on in their lives.
“We urge any victim of similar offending to come forward, report it and seek help. You will be taken seriously, and we will use all the tools available to us to pursue justice on your behalf.”
Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, of the Forth Valley public protection unit, said: “I welcome the sentencing of Scott Lannister, who will now face the consequences for these degrading, violent attacks.
“Sexual crimes, of any nature, will not be tolerated.
“I would urge anyone who wishes to report an offence of this nature to come forward, regardless of the passage of time. We will investigate it thoroughly and you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.