A MAN has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexual offences that took place in the Forth Valley area.

Gordon McFarlane, 55, was sentenced for offences which included rape and sexual communications between 2019 and 2021.

He received his sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Tuesday), after previously being found guilty at a trial in Livingston’s High Court last month.

Detective inspector Forbes Wilson, of the Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: “McFarlane will now have to face the consequences of his actions and I hope this sentence provides some form of comfort for his victim.

“We are committed to bringing those responsible for sexual crimes to justice.

“We will continue to work alongside our partners to support victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

“Should you wish to support a sexual crime to Police Scotland, then please do so by contacting officers on 101, or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”