A HELENSBURGH rapist who carried out a 13-year campaign of terror against six women has been jailed for a minimum of six years.

Offshore worker Ben Slee raped one of his victims and attempted to rape another.

A jury found Slee guilty of 29 charges after a trial last September – but a court hearing this week was told he continues to deny any wrong-doing.

And the 31-year-old was warned by a judge that there was no guarantee he would be released when he’s served his sentence.

Slee, formerly of the town’s Maitland Court, was made the subject of a lifelong restriction order when he appeared for sentencing at the High Court in Dunfermline on Tuesday – which means he may never be released.

Four of his victims were beaten viciously and sexually assaulted, and another was slapped and kicked in a house in Helensburgh.

The abuse started in 2002 and carried on for 13 years at various locations in Helensburgh, Garelochhead, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Slee was also put on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period. Offenders placed on lifelong restriction orders are subject to conditions imposed through a risk management plan when released.

A spokeswoman for Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid told the Advertiser: “It is reassuring to recognise that women’s safety has been taken seriously in the Scottish courts. The efforts of Police Scotland in this case are to be commended. Hopefully this will go a long way to encourage other women to have the confidence to report domestic abuse, safe in the knowledge that their safety matters.”

Any woman or child affected by domestic abuse can access free, confidential support by calling Argyll Women’s Aid on (01436) 677434.