A convicted rapist who went on the run from police twice has been put back behind bars.

Steven McMillan was jailed for seven years in 2001 and ordered to register as a sex offender for life after attacking a woman in Buckhaven, Fife.

Since his release he has twice gone to ground despite being required to sign on with police every year as a convicted sex offender.

He was given a lengthy jail term in 2001 after battering then raping a woman in her own home in Buckhaven.

Then aged 19, McMillan attacked the woman  just a week after she moved into the property.

He was caught after approaching a police car and telling officers he was wanted for outstanding warrants.

While sitting in the police car he heard a radio message relating to the rape and told the officers: "That was me."

Fiscal depute Ron Hay told Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court: "The accused is subject to requirements under the relevant legislation.

"There was a requirement for him to give annual notification at a prescribed police station. The deadline was three days from August 4, 2015. That came and went and police officers were tasked with locating him.

"They made a number of attempts to contact him including numerous attempts at his home address and locations he is known to frequent. Messages to his mobile phone were left and no reply was received.

"He was apprehended on September 2 in Hill Street, Kirkcaldy, and was arrested. When arrested he said 'if I was aware I would have done it'."

McMillan, 35, of Orkney Place, Kirkcaldy, pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge under the Sexual Offences Act.

The offence was committed between August 4 and September 2, 2015.

Defence solicitor Paul Ralph said: "He did notify the police of his whereabouts after he appeared initially for this case."

Sheriff James Williamson jailed McMillan for 15 months, reduced from 20 for his early guilty plea.

He said: "You are perfectly well aware of the requirements. You should understand why they are there. You did this previously and were jailed for 12 months on that occasion."