AN AUCHINLECK mechanic who raped a primary school girl and a woman was today (Tuesday, January 10) jailed for 11 years.

John Greig, 51, was also convicted at the High Court in Glasgow of attempting to rape another schoolgirl.

Judge Lord Matthews told Greig: “You recognise that the jury has convicted you of very serious offences. You sexually abused two young girls and on one occasion raped one of them.

“You also raped a woman. The public expects these matters to be dealt with in a severe manner.”

Defence counsel Susan Duff told the court that Greig still maintains his innocence, but added: “He realise he has to accept the verdict of the jury.”

Tyre fitter Greig accused all three women of lying and claimed the schoolgirl he raped went to the police years later because she was annoyed because he refused to let her drive his Subaru Impreza.

In evidence, Greig said of his victim: “She's a bit of a poser and wanted to pose in it. She asked to get it and I said no and I'm here in the High Court. I just can't believe they are doing this to me. I feel embarrassed and degraded. It is as if they are trying to destroy me.”

He said that he never touched either of the schoolgirls and claimed that sex with the woman was consensual.

Prosecutor Mark McGuire asked Greig: “Is your explanation for this woman's allegations that you would not let her have your car,” and he replied: “Yes.”

Mr McGuire added: “You say all three women are liars. You must be the unluckiest man in the world,” and Greig replied: “I must be.”

Greig was found guilty of raping the schoolgirl when she was aged between 9 and 11.

He was also found guilty of sexually abusing her and attempting to rape another schoolgirl when she was aged between 9 and 12.

Greig was also convicted of raping a woman over a nine-year period when she was aged between 28 and 37.

The offences were committed in Ayrshire between 1983 and 2003.

The first victim came forward to the police in 2015 to claim Greig had repeatedly tried to rape her when she was a child.

The schoolgirl he raped , said nothing then, but went to the police and gave a statement in 2015.

Greig showed no emotion as he was led away to begin his sentence. He has been placed on the sex offenders' register.