A rapist who intimidated his victims as they gave evidence during a trial against him has been jailed for ten years.

Scott Chalmers attacked and sexually assaulted two women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at addresses in Ayrshire between 2012 and 2015.

During the trial, the 23-year-old was warned by Lord Bannatyne to stop laughing and smirking while the women he had abused recalled what he had done to them.

On Tuesday, Chalmers stood in the dock of the High Court in Edinburgh with his head bowed as Lord Bannatyne told him he had to go to prison for his actions.

Ordering Chalmers to be supervised for four years following his release from custody, Lord Bannatyne said: "I must impose a lengthy custodial sentence."

Chalmers, of Stevenston, North Ayrshire, was convicted of five charges of rape and assault following his trial.

Sentence had been deferred for the court to obtain reports about his character.

During his trial, the jury was played a recording of abusive messages Chalmers had left one of his victims.

Following the guilty verdicts, Lord Bannatyne told the jury: "This was undoubtedly not a pleasant case to listen to.

"Unlike me, you're not used to listening to this type of evidence."

On Tuesday, defence advocate Matt Jackson told the court his client had a troubled upbringing and took drugs at the time of his offending.

Mr Jackson said: "He lacked any kind of positive role model during his childhood."