A MAN has been sentenced to nine years in jail for domestic abuse crimes spanning four years in North Ayrshire.

George McDevitt, 62, was sentenced on Tuesday, November 22, after been found guilty of the crimes at the High Court in Glasgow on October 22.

He was also given a 10-year non-harassment order.

The offences took place across North Ayrshire and were committed between 2004 and 2008.

McDevitt's female victims were aged 34 and 12 at the time the offences took place.

Top cops from Police Scotland have today praised the sentence handed to him for these historic offences.

Detective Inspector Gavin Chisholm, of the Rape and Domestic Abuse Unit, praised the victims for their bravery.

He said: “We welcome the sentencing and the placement of the non-harassment order.

“I would like to commend both of the victims for the strength and courage they displayed throughout this whole process.

"Domestic crime, in all its forms, remains one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.

"I hope that this sentencing will give confidence to anyone who is experiencing, or who has experienced, abuse to come forward knowing that we will listen and we will investigate."