A “dangerous” abuser who preyed on four men – including raping one while he slept – has been jailed for 10 years.
Mantas Vanagas was convicted of a catalogue of abuse, including sexual violence, physical assault and controlling behaviour.
The 27-year-old targeted one victim at addresses in East Dunbartonshire and Renfrewshire in 2021, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said.
He aimed derogatory remarks at the man, threatened to harm himself, refused to leave a property, and made alarming remarks about rape towards him, according to prosecutors.
During one attack, Vanagas pushed the man on to a bed, seized him by the neck and choked him. He also bit the man’s neck.
Vanagas, from Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, was additionally convicted of sexually abusing two other men and raping a fourth victim while he was asleep and unable to consent.
The offending occurred over the course of 16 months, the COPFS said.
Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s procurator fiscal for high court sexual offending, said: “Mantas Vanagas is a dangerous and predatory individual who showed no regard for the wellbeing of the victims.
“It is thanks to their bravery in coming forward and reporting their experiences that he has been held accountable.
“This prosecution and conviction sends a clear message that this type of offending has no place in society.”
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Vanagas denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty in November of four charges following a trial at the High Court in Paisley.
He was convicted of a domestic abuse charge; two counts of sexual assault; and rape.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Vanagas was handed a 14-year extended sentence – with 10 years in jail and four years on licence once released back into the community.
He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and banned from contacting his victims.
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Detective Inspector Raymond Sagan said: “Vanagas is a dangerous individual who now faces the consequences of his despicable actions.
“We know how difficult it can be to report these types of crimes and I would like to commend his victims for their strength in coming forward during the investigation.
“Their information was essential in helping us build the case against him and I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure.”
