AARON HILL FROM ARBROATH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND RAPE IN EDINBURGH

A young man named Aaron Hill, aged 20, has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after being convicted of attacking and raping a woman he met for the first time. The incident took place in Arbroath, Angus, in 2023, where Hill and the victim had been drinking together before the assault occurred.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, the presiding judge, Lord Braid, addressed Hill directly, emphasizing the severity of the crime. He stated, “On the complainer’s evidence it must, or ought to, have been obvious to you that she was not consenting.” The judge highlighted the importance of the victim’s testimony, which detailed the profound and lasting impact the assault had on her mental health, including ongoing anxiety and depression.

Lord Braid further remarked that Hill’s age did not lessen the gravity of his actions, noting that the harm caused was significant regardless of his youth. The court heard that Hill, who was previously residing on Newton Avenue in Arbroath, had initially denied the charges during an earlier trial. However, after a thorough examination of the evidence, the jury found him guilty.

In addition to his prison sentence, the judge imposed a non-harassment order that will prevent Hill from contacting or attempting to contact the victim for a period of 15 years. This measure aims to protect the victim from further distress or intimidation.

During the hearing, Hill’s defense solicitor advocate, Jim Stephenson, acknowledged that Hill had experienced adverse childhood experiences but also highlighted his successful career as a chef. The defense requested the court to consider Hill’s age and his employment record when determining the appropriate punishment.

Following his conviction, Hill was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct. The case underscores the serious consequences of sexual assault and the importance of justice for victims in the community of Arbroath and beyond.