A MAN who battered and raped three partners, then continued to threaten them while behind bars, has been jailed for a minimum of 10 years.

Thomas Montguire, 31, of Glasgow, had been convicted of an eight-year campaign of terror against the women and used various weapons against them. They included a samurai sword, a Stanley knife, a screwdriver and even a soup ladle.

As revealed in yesterday's Evening Times, he was given a lifelong restriction order by Judge Bill Dunlop, QC.

He told Montguire: "A lifelong restriction is essential to reflect the gravity of your crimes. The 10 years is not an indication you will get out after that."

Defence QC Donald Findlay said: "It is clear Mr Montguire has had a number of psychological problems from childhood."

The court heard the author of a risk assessment report on Montguire said he was unable to recommend any treatment for him.

Montguire had also targeted a fourth girlfriend, Lynn Murray, 33, with physical abuse, but she went to police after he tried to throttle her.

This led to a large-scale investigation into Montguire that finally snared him.

But, from his prison cell awaiting trial, Montguire still tried to get at his victims by ordering violence against them and their families.

After trial at the High Court in Glasgow he was convicted of eight charges - including rape, assault and attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

Montguire unleashed his violent temper on the first woman soon after they started dating in 2004.

A second woman was violently forced three times to have sex with him, while a third woman was also raped.