John Dodd, 41, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after a string of violent and sexual attacks on two women across the Highlands. The relentless abuse spanned nearly two decades, from 2004 to 2022, covering areas including Tain, Alness, Inverness, and Clashmore.
Shocking Hospital Rape and Controlling Abuse Exposed
Dodd was found guilty of 14 serious charges at the High Court in Edinburgh. Judge Norman McFadyen KC slammed him for raping one victim while she was “in a hospital bed, unwell and heavily pregnant” — calling the act “almost unbelievable.”
“The victims were subjected to violent and controlling behaviour and serious sexual offences,” the judge said.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Dodd maintains his innocence but shows “no victim empathy,” instead engaging in “straightforward victim blaming.”
Gruesome Details of Abuse Revealed
- Dodd attacked his first victim at a Sutherland cottage, pushing her onto a bed and causing her to hit her head.
- He repeatedly molested and raped her while she slept between March 2006 and May 2007, including an assault at Raigmore Hospital.
- His second victim suffered relentless physical and psychological torment from 2021 to 2023, including being grabbed, kicked, and having her fingers forced backwards.
- Dodd controlled her clothing, phone use, social media, and even restricted contact with family and friends.
- He stalked the woman, drove past her, and sent explicit photos from Raigmore Hospital in December 2021.
- He abducted and raped her in a locked car near Brora and assaulted her at a cottage near Dornoch.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Dodd, formerly of Clashmore near Dornoch, was remanded in custody and attended the sentencing via video link from prison. The judge issued non-harassment orders preventing him from contacting the victims and placed him on a three-year license upon release. He will also remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring long-term monitoring.
