BRAD ALBUTT'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN EDINBURGH: SOLDIER TURNED OFFENDER

A former soldier from Edinburgh has been convicted and sentenced for a series of disturbing sexual offenses that took place over the course of a year. Brad Albutt, aged 40, was found guilty of attempting to sexually assault a woman by using a syringe filled with his semen while she was asleep in her home. The horrifying incident was just one of three separate occasions where Albutt engaged in sexual misconduct against the same victim, with two of these assaults involving the use of a sharp implement.

Albutt, who served as a corporal with the 1st Battalion, The Rifles, was compelled to admit his guilt after the victim awoke to find him holding a syringe and a container with his semen. The incident left her understandably distressed and shocked, prompting her to report the matter to authorities. The case was brought before Edinburgh Sheriff Court in December of the previous year, where Albutt pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault. His sentencing was delayed multiple times to allow for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, reflecting the court’s concern over his mental state and the severity of his actions.

In addition to the sexual offenses, Albutt also admitted to assaulting the woman physically by hitting her in the body. Furthermore, he was found to have breached bail conditions multiple times during the investigation period, which spanned from October 2022 to October 2023. The court heard that these breaches and assaults demonstrated a pattern of troubling behavior.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Kevin McCarron emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating that there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. Albutt was sentenced to 20 months in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued, forbidding him from contacting the victim for the same duration.

Albutt’s legal representative, Paul Smith, provided some background on his client, revealing that he is a South African national who moved to the United Kingdom in 2000. Smith also noted that Albutt joined the British Army in 2008 and served two tours in Afghanistan before leaving the military in July of the previous year. The court was informed that the first syringe attack occurred while the victim was asleep at Albutt’s residence in October 2022.

Sheriff McCarron remarked on the disturbing nature of the offenses, highlighting that they spanned an entire year and involved a significant violation of the victim’s trust and safety. He expressed concern that the crimes appeared to have been planned by Albutt himself. While acknowledging Albutt’s military background and recent low risk assessment, the sheriff underscored the seriousness of his crimes and the need for appropriate punishment to protect the public.