Aberdeen man who claimed rape was 'role play' jailed
- Published
Ryan Steehouder had claimed his attacks on the woman were role play
An Aberdeen businessman convicted of raping a woman after claiming it was "role play" has been jailed.
Ryan Steehouder, 33, subjected her to repeated assaults in the city between 2011 and 2015.
Jurors had previously convicted him of threatening or abusive behaviour, assault to the danger of her life, rape and sexual assault.
Steehouder, who had denied the charges, was jailed for six years at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The woman had told the court how during the assaults he would seize and lift her by the body and throw her, causing her to strike her head and body against walls and doors.
The court also heard how he would lie on top of her, kick her, restrain her, choke her and cause her to lose consciousness.
'Despicable actions'
Defence counsel Lynsey Morgan said: "While Mr Steehouder understands the seriousness of the offences for which the jury have convicted him, he does maintains his innocence of the offences.
"Not withstanding that he understands a custodial sentence today is inevitable."
Lord Doherty told Steehouder: "You have been convicted of serious sexual and other offences against a woman.
"Your behaviour towards the complainer was violent, abusive and controlling.
"It is clear that despite your conviction you continue to deny the charges."
Lord Doherty also placed Steehouder on the sex offenders register for life.
Det Sgt Lynsey Penny of Police Scotland said: "Ryan Steehouder is a violent, abusive individual who has now been made to face the consequences of his despicable actions.
"I hope today's sentence provides the woman with some form of justice and allows her to move forward while continuing to come to terms with what has happened to her."
- Published28 November 2023
