Victims’ fear and anger as serial rapist applies for parole seven years after getting life

A serial rapist said to be one of Scotland’s most sadistic men is seeking parole after seven years of a life sentence.

Patrick Chinskie abducted and permanently disfigured victims, many of whom still live in fear of the former coal man who preyed on women across Scotland for 23 years.

He was issued with an Order for Lifelong Restriction in 2015 but now Chinskie, described by judge Kenneth Maciver as a “sadistic and vicious abuser”, is applying for home visits and parole. Chinskie had a previous bid for parole denied two years ago.

One of Chinskie’s victims, who has her home surrounded by CCTV cameras for fear of retribution, said: “I cannot understand why anyone could possibly consider allowing this man out of jail after all the lives he destroyed and the evil he has done.

“None of us whose lives were torn apart by Chinskie could ever sleep easy if he was freed early on parole because we all know the lengths he always said he would go to to seek revenge for speaking out against him.”

Chinskie, 57, originally from Strathspey, attacked women in Paisley, Nairn, Inverness, Bathgate and Glasgow.

Makeshift weapons and knives were used to permanently disfigure some victims, several of whom were abducted and held prisoner by the control freak.

His first victim was raped on various occasions between 1990 and 1993 at addresses in the Govanhill area of Glasgow, and West Lothian. Chinskie jumped on the bonnet of her car as she tried to escape, smashing his way through her windscreen.

He used a set of metal pliers on another victim and demanded she have an abortion, pulling her out of a car and raping her in a field. Later, he burned her with cigarettes.

His first victim said: “When police knocked on my front door seven years ago, I was forced to relive the horror of every single beating, punch and kick, and I still suffer flashbacks today.

“It took all my strength to testify in court against him because I was determined to stop him destroying other women.

“When he was sentenced to life, I believed he would be kept in jail for a long time.

“I’ve now received a letter from the parole board saying he is applying for and wants early home release. It has left me traumatised and shaking.”

Chinskie had to be tricked into letting the woman go free after her concerned family worked with police who pretended to remove her from her home for questioning over unpaid parking tickets.

The Parole Board for Scotland has informed victims they have until July 27 to submit any objection. They have also told victims: “You have the right to request attendance at the tribunal hearing as a silent observer.”

Scottish Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Jamie Greene, who has proposed a bill to increase victims’ rights, said: “It will send shivers down the spines of his victims when they discover that a serial rapist and abuser is being considered for release after just seven years. That’s hardly a year for each one of Chinskie’s victims. It is deplorable.

“These victims of crime should have the right to speak directly at parole hearings, if they wish, to make clear how much trauma they have been through and how unjust it would be to release this rapist so soon.

“My Victims Law would give them this right that they are currently being denied by the SNP Government. I hope they decide to back it so that victims can be put at the heart of Scotland’s justice system.”

The Scottish Government said: “The independent Parole Board rightly considers each case on its own merit, with public safety being at the forefront of any decision.

“We have recently amended the rules to allow the Parole Board to take account of the safety and security of victims and their families when considering release.”