West Lothian crime: Man, 56, guilty of 27 charges including rapes, sexual assaults and animal cruelty

Kevin Vivers was found guilty at the High Court in Livingston

A man has been convicted of a number of sexual offences and animal cruelty offences in the West Lothian and Forth Valley areas.

Kevin Vivers, 56, was found guilty of 27 charges at the High Court in Livingston on Tuesday (November, 2) including rapes, sexual assaults and physical abuse of seven women between 1985 and 2020.

Vivers is due to be sentenced next month and he will be placed in the sex offenders register

Kevin Vivers, left, was found guilty at the High Court in Livingston

Detective Chief Inspector Steven McMillan said: "I hope the outcome at court can bring some comfort to his victims and their families.

“This conviction has only been possible due to the bravery and courage of those who came forward to report this horrific abuse and I commend and thank them for speaking out.

“This was a particularly difficult case due to the horrendous nature of Vivers’ crimes and the sickening animal abuse, which spanned several decades.

“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing or has experienced abuse to come forward and report it to police.

“All reports of abuse and sexual assaults, regardless of the passage of time, will be thoroughly investigated by Police Scotland and victims will be supported throughout.”

Anyone who wishes to report a crime can contact Police Scotland on 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.