A COCAINE and cannabis trafficker who raped young women when they were under the influence of drugs was jailed for 10 years today (Thursday).

Wayne Banks, 46, carried out a catalogue of crimes against victims, including assaults, indecent attacks and rapes.

A judge told Banks at the High Court in Edinburgh: "You must appreciate that the offences of which you were convicted require the imposition of a substantial custodial sentence."

Lord Uist pointed out that Banks was found guilty of 10 offences of physical and sexual violence towards three women, two of whom were raped by him.

The judge said: "The second and third women have been severely affected by the callous and cruel treatment to which you subjected them."

Lord Uist said a background report prepared on Banks showed he had no victim empathy but rather anger towards the three victims, whom he claimed had lied.

Banks carried out sex attacks in his home town of North Berwick, as well as at Gullane and East Fortune.

During an earlier trial, he had denied committing a string of offences but was ultimately found guilty of 14 offences, including four charges of being concerned in the supply of the drugs cannabis, amphetamine, ecstasy and cocaine. The crimes all occurred between 1997 and 2003.

His first victim was assaulted by him at an address in Prestonpans and at a pub in Tranent.

Banks shouted at the woman, grabbed hold of her and revealed he was in possession of a knife.

He went on to commit an indecency offence with an underage girl, who he molested and committed sex acts on before raping her the day before her 16th birthday.

Banks went on to rape her again, including when she was intoxicated with drugs and incapable of consenting because of her state.

During further sex attacks on the victim, he held her arm behind her back and threatened and intimidated her with knives.

One rape was carried out at a barn in East Fortune and another at The Glen in North Berwick.

Banks admitted having sex with the girl when she was under 16 but claimed it was consensual and told the court that the victim had pursued him.

He said: "When she first asked me to go out with her, I thought she was 18."

The victim said she was controlled and intimidated by the older man.

Prosecutor Richard Goddard QC said: "You gave her drugs. She was a young girl and you took advantage of her terribly."

But Banks responded: "No."

One victim told the court that Banks was manipulative and controlling and said he would not let her go to her work.

The third woman was indecently assaulted by Banks at a house in Gullane and subjected to a rape at an address in North Berwick when she also was intoxicated with drugs.

During Banks' earlier trial he was described as having "a sweetie shop" when it came to drugs.

Defence solicitor advocate Jim Stephenson told the court: "He maintains his innocence of the charges that he has been found guilty of."

Mr Stephenson said that it was clear from reports prepared on Banks that he had previously suffered a serious head injury following an assault on him.

He struggled to socialise with others and suffered from anxiety, the court was told.

Mr Stephenson said: "He describes himself as someone who spends his time looking after his dogs and avoiding social contact."

Unemployed Banks, formerly of Eastfield Road, North Berwick, was placed on the sex offenders' register for an indefinite period.