A rapist from the Borders has been jailed for four years after a law student's childhood ordeal was triggered by sexual assault lectures.

Jay Graham, 26, began preying on the woman when she was eight years old.

He continued to sexually assault and rape her at various locations in the Scottish Borders between July 2006 and July 2011.

The victim only reported the man who raped her to police after attending lectures.

The university discussions triggered painful memories about her ordeal.

Graham was detained by police over his crimes after the woman confided in her parents about what he had done.

Prosecutor Angela Gray told a previous hearing: “The complainer attained a place at university to study law.

"Some of the classes that she was enrolled in - about evidence and sexual assault - brought back the memories of what happened to her as a child.

“The complainer was still living at home with her parents. Her behaviour changed, which was noticed by her parents who were suspicious that something was wrong and confronted her about that.

“The complainer eventually broke down in tears on November 20, 2018 and told her parents about what had happened.”

Graham, of Kelso, was arrested on December 11, last year.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and a charge of sexual assault.

Ms Gray added: “After taking time to consider what she wanted to do, on November 22, the complainer reported the matter to the police.

“The accused was arrested on December 11.

"The accused was interviewed by the police and accepted the complainer’s account of what had happened.

“The accused’s position was that at the time of the incidents, he was not aware that his actions would be classed as rape.

“The accused stated that he felt disgusted and wished he could go back and stop himself from doing anything.”

The court heard that Graham had been diagnosed with type one Diabetes and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Defence advocate John Scullion QC told Lord Armstrong that his client wanted to accept responsibility for his wrongdoing.

Mr Scullion added: “He feels great shame about his behaviour.”