Rape victims must not feel that raising a civil case is their only option for justice, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister faced questions at Holyrood over the prosecution of sex crimes in the wake of a civil court victory for a rape victim whose attackers never faced a criminal trial.

Labour MSP Claire Baker said the decision to award damages in the case was a first for the Court of Session, and she highlighted recent figures showing only 12% of rapes and attempted rapes reported to police make it to court and the conviction rate is "low".

Read more: David Goodwillie will not be put on sex offenders register despite judge ruling he is a rapist

The case highlighted was Denise Clair's civil action against footballers David Goodwillie and David Robertson.

Ms Baker told the First Minister: "Rape Crisis Scotland are advising we will see more and more rape complainers turn to the civil justice system, but rape is a heinous crime and should always result in a criminal charge.

"What are the implications for the justice system if victims now feel the only justice they can get for these criminal acts is through the civil court system?"

Ms Sturgeon replied: "That absolutely should not be the message.

Read more: David Goodwillie will not be put on sex offenders register despite judge ruling he is a rapist

"Many of the decisions that Claire Baker is rightly talking about, and I know she understands this, are decisions for the independent prosecution services and of course for courts, but I don't think anybody can be in any doubt about the determination of this Government to ensure that there is a really tough approach for anybody that commits sexual crimes or domestic violence."

The First Minister said convictions for sex crimes are at an all-time high.

Ms Clair, a 30-year-old mother who has previously waived her right to anonymity, claimed the footballers raped her in the early hours of January 2, 2011 following a night out in Bathgate, West Lothian.

Plymouth Argyle player Goodwillie and his ex-Dundee United teammate Robertson were ordered to pay her £100,000 in damages on Tuesday following a civil action in the Court of Session.

Read more: David Goodwillie will not be put on sex offenders register despite judge ruling he is a rapist

Judge Lord Armstrong said in a written judgment the evidence for Ms Clair was "persuasive and compelling" and he found the two footballers raped her while she was too intoxicated to give consent.

The Crown Office said there was "insufficient evidence in law to raise criminal proceedings" in the case.