Robert Haggart, 53, denied the charges but was found guilty of three offences — rape, indecent assault and lewd and indecent behaviour — following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

His first victim was just 10 when the abuse began in August 1987. Haggart was 13.

The court heard that he repeatedly attacked the girl at addresses in Cowdenbeath, forcing her to the floor and removing her clothing. He covered her mouth with his hand and raped her.

Further indecent assaults followed from November 1988, including an incident in which he grabbed her by the hair.

Haggart also targeted a second girl, aged 14. Between August 1990 and February 1991, he forced her to touch him sexually.

Judge Alison Stirling acknowledged the difficulty of the case when thanking jurors, referring to the nature of the offences and the time that had passed.