Fife child rapist who fled to Spain is finally caged

A sick rapist and paedophile, who sexually assaulted women and girls across Fife, was today jailed.

David MacBride (44) fled to Spain in a bid to escape justice but was tracked down, arrested and brought back to Scotland.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, David MacBride was sentenced to 9 years and three months in prison. He was also registered indefinitely as a sex offender.

He was also given an Order for Lifelong Restriction meaning when released, he will remain on licence for the rest of his life.

Following a trial, he was found guilty in August of sexually abusing three women and two girls.

He was convicted of eight counts of rape, which included the rape of a young child, and three counts of sexual assault, two of which were against a young child.

The offences took place between 2007 and 2014 in Cardenden, Glenrothes, Burntisland, Kirkcaldy, Methil and Dunfermline.

Detectives from Fife’s Public Protection Unit began to investigate MacBride in November 2015 but when on bail, he fled the country.

Officers worked with police forces across Europe to locate MacBride, who was later arrested in Cadiz in January.  

Detective Inspector Scott Davidson said, “MacBride is a dangerous individual and we welcome this sentence.

“He has now been given an Order for Lifelong Restriction due to the risk he poses to the public, and we hope the victims can now begin to move on with their lives.

“MacBride attempted to evade justice by fleeing the country, yet due to the bravery and courage of the victims he was brought before the courts to stand trial for his crimes.

“I would like to thank the victims and partner forces who assisted us in bringing MacBride to justice.”