A beast has been jailed for raping a teenage schoolgirl in a Stirling play park.
Paul Cunningham, 35, attacked his victim in the shocking incident in the town's Irvine Place in September 2020.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison at the High Court in Livingston today and placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Following the sentencing, cops paid tribute to the 'courage' and 'incredible bravery' of the young victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Officers said they hoped Cunningham's lengthy jail time would prevent the man from inflicting further suffering on any other people.
Detective Sergeant Craig Faulds from Forth Valley's Public Protection Unit said: "Paul Cunningham has been found guilty of a horrific offence against a young girl and he will now be held accountable for his actions.
"I wish to pay tribute to the victim's courage and resolve and for her incredible bravery in talking about her experience at the hands of this man.
"I hope that hearing Cunningham has been jailed for eight years today will provide her some comfort that he can no longer inflict this pain on any other girls or women.
"Police Scotland will always investigate such kinds of serious offences as they are reported to us.
"We will tirelessly pursue perpetrators to disrupt their activities while also remaining committed to protecting and supporting victims, as well as those at risk of becoming victims in our communities.
"I would encourage anyone who has suffered this type of despicable abuse to report it to Police Scotland."
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