Cases

Rapist jailed after using coercion and violence to control women

A domestic abuser who systematically targeted young women in a campaign of emotional, physical and sexual abuse has been jailed. 

Jordan Coyle, of Ormiston, East Lothian, was found guilty of 15 charges, including multiple counts of rape, on 23 April 2026 following a trial. 

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the 31-year-old followed a pattern of behaviour where he presented himself as charming and attentive when he first met the women. 

However, several victims told the court that he soon became jealous and possessive, accusing them of cheating and trying to control who they could see and speak to. 

Giving evidence, the women described being subjected to persistent verbal abuse, including name-calling and threats of violence, which later escalated into physical assaults. 

The violence included non‑fatal strangulation against two victims, with Coyle grabbing both women by the neck and restricting their breathing. 

This caused episodes in which they lost, or nearly lost, consciousness. 

Coyle was also convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice by trying to force one woman to retract a statement she had given to police by repeatedly threatening her with violence. 

He was further convicted of perverting the course of justice after persuading a second woman to write a letter that cast doubt on her police statement. 

Coyle was also found guilty of serious sexual offences, including offending while armed with a knife, against three women. 

His offending took place between 2016 and 2024 at various locations across East Lothian. 

On 17 June 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Coyle was given a 17-year extended sentence with 14 years in custody.  

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and non‑harassment orders were granted in respect of each of the victims.  

Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “ 

“Jordan Coyle used systematic coercion, intimidation and violence to control and harm women over a number of years. 

“His offending included non‑fatal strangulation, a particularly dangerous form of abuse which carries a high risk of serious injury and death and is recognised as a key warning sign of escalating violence. 

“The evidence showed he engaged in a sustained pattern of domestic abuse and serious sexual offending, causing lasting trauma for those affected. 

“I want to recognise the strength of the women who gave evidence. Doing so takes courage, and their testimony was crucial in bringing this predatory individual to justice. 

“Scotland’s prosecutors will continue to use every tool available to pursue those who abuse women and girls and to protect the public from harm.”