A SERIAL domestic abuser who preyed on women has been jailed for six years.

Vile Gerard Porteous was also handed an order of lifelong restriction during sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was convicted of rape, assault, and indecent assault last month on October 1. He repeatedly abused a woman at a house in Coatbridge and attacked another between 1987 and 1993.

The 57-year-old is already serving a 12-year sentence for sexual offences relating to three other women in the Airdrie and Paisley areas between 1994 and 2013.

He was snared by Police Scotland's Domestic Abuse Task Force.

Detective Inspector Iain Renfrew from Police Scotland's Domestic Abuse Task Force said: "Gerard Porteous carried out a six year campaign of abuse towards his partner and attacked another woman, which will have no doubt left them deeply affected by the experience for the rest of their lives.

"I must thank these women for having the strength to come forward and report the abuse they endured, and for the courage they have shown throughout the investigation.

"I hope today’s outcome gives them some sort of closure and sends a clear message to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to treat people in this way.   "Gerard Porteous is a serial domestic abuser whose offending behaviour spans 32 years. He must now face the consequences of his horrendous behaviour for the rest of his life.

"Police Scotland is committed to tackling domestic abuse and no one should ever feel they are alone or in a position of fear.

"I would encourage anyone to report domestic abuse in any form, as all reports will be thoroughly investigated. We will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure victims of domestic abuse are supported and to ensure their safety and wellbeing."