Warning: contains mentions of sexual and domestic abuse
For years, Aaron Swan weaved himself into the lives of multiple women, duping them into restrictive relationships, before unleashing a pattern of violent and manipulative abuse – his crimes span from rape to coercive control. But it took almost twenty years for him to be brought to justice in any true capacity.
Now, four women who were personally (and deeply) impacted by Swan are sharing their story, in Lover, Liar, Predator on BBC Two, detailing how their lives became intertwined thanks to the master manipulator.
Swan’s 2024 trial at the High Court in Inverness laid bare the extent of his "depravity", as described by prosecutors, as evidence painted the picture of a man who viewed women not as partners, but as targets for his desire for power and control.
Now, many are asking how he was finally caught and where he is today. Here's what we know about Aaron Swan and his life now...
Who is Aaron Swan and what did he do?
Aaron Swan is a serial sex offender and abuser whose crimes date back over 20 years: he was first placed on the sex offenders register in 2004, after his first wife, Natalie, reported him for having a relationship with a teenager.
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Twenty years on, Swan would go on to be convicted of rape, sexual assault and abuse, following a coordinated effort by multiple survivors, including Natalie, and two of Swan's subsequent partners.
The timeline is a complex one: Natalie was raped by Swan when she was six months pregnant with their child in 2005, but he was acquitted at a 2006 trial. Motivated to help others, Natalie went on to create a course, Own My Life, designed to raise awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, after being awarded sole custody of their two children.
Meanwhile, Swan continued his pattern of abuse with a string of other women, including Jenni, who eventually became his second wife, and Robyn, with whom Swan cheated on Jenni.
Sadly, Swan also raped Jenni's friend, Shannon, when she stayed over at their home after an engagement party, before going on to attack Jenni in a similar manner.
"As a female growing up, you always have an idea in your mind of how you would react in that sort of scenario... it's literally down a dark alleyway really late at night, not in your best friend's house and for the attacker to be your best friend's fiancé," Shannon bravely told the BBC ahead of Lover, Liar, Predator's release.
In 2020, Swan raped a third woman (Robyn) after she explicitly withdrew consent.
Beyond the sexual violence, Swan was also a master of coercive control. He monitored his partners’ movements, restricted their access to money and house keys, and used threats of self-harm to keep them trapped.
His eventual downfall was sparked when Natalie, who upon realising Swan was abusing his new partner, Robyn, secretly worked with Swan's own sister to help Robyn escape and testify against him.
"I didn't actually realise how comforting having a group of women around you can be," Robyn said, when reflecting back.
Where is Aaron Swan now?
As of 3 May 2024, Aaron Swan is behind bars after being found guilty of six charges — four counts of rape, one of sexual assault and one of abusive behaviour against three women. He is serving a sentence designed to protect the public indefinitely.
At the High Court in Inverness, Lord Weir imposed what is known as an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR), a unique and stringent sentence in Scotland used for offenders whose risk to the public is deemed so high that they require lifelong supervision.
While Swan was ordered to serve a minimum "punishment part" of six years in prison, this does not mean he will be released once that time is up.
The OLR means that Swan will only be released if and when the Parole Board determines he no longer poses a serious threat to public safety.
In addition to his prison sentence, Swan’s name has been added to the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. The court also granted non-harassment orders to protect his victims and their families, ensuring that he is legally barred from ever contacting them again.
Detective Constable Jessica Laycock, from Police Scotland, said of the case outcome: “I hope this sentencing provides some measure of closure for the victims.
“Sexual abuse has no place in our society and any reports made to Police Scotland will be robustly investigated.
“If you are experiencing abuse, or know someone who is, please contact us direct[ly] or through our partner agencies. We will take action, no matter the timescale.”
To get help with any of the issues discussed in this article, visit: Rape Crisis England & Wales, Rape Crisis Scotland, or The Rowan (for Northern Ireland). RASASC provides emotional and practical support for survivors, families and friends. For additional support with mental health, visit Mind.
