SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR BRUTALITY IN KINROSS
A brutal sex offender who subjected a woman to episodes of violence and unwelcome sexual acts has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison.Brandon Waterson, aged 24, targeted the woman over a two-year period from 2020 to 2022, while residing in Kinross and addresses in Ballingry and Cardenden.Waterson, previously living in Strathnairn Court, Glenrothes, stood trial after denying the allegations but was convicted of a series of abusive behaviors towards the woman.The court heard that during these episodes, Waterson repeatedly shouted and swore, displaying aggressive behavior.He also made offensive and derogatory remarks and pressured her for sex.He engaged in non-consensual sexual activity, which the judge described as amounting to rapes.The victim was also subjected to violent outbursts, including being kicked multiple times.
On one occasion, Waterson grabbed her by the hair, hit her head against a window, and punched her repeatedly, causing serious injuries.
In another incident, he threw her at a door, causing her to fall, and in yet another attack, he stomped on her head while she lay on the floor, posing a life-threatening danger.Sentencing and Court RemarksThe court acknowledged that Waterson's offending commenced when he was still a teenager and persisted until he was 21.
Despite prior convictions, they were not similar to the current offenses.
The judge, Lord Harrower, emphasized that given the gravity of the crimes, a prison sentence was unavoidable, stating, “Given the seriousness of the present offence a prison sentence is inevitable.”Defense counsel indicated that while Waterson maintained his innocence regarding some allegations, especially of a sexual nature, he was willing to participate in rehabilitative programs to become a better citizen upon release.
Moreover, the court issued a non-harassment order, banning Waterson from contacting the victim indefinitely, and he was also registered as a sex offender for an indefinite period.Throughout the court proceedings, Waterson followed the case via a TV link from prison.
Sentencing Statement At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Harrower sentenced Brandon Waterston to 6 years and 6 months imprisonment after the offender was found guilty of a single charge of, over a two year period, engaging in a course of behaviour that was abusive of his then partner.
On sentencing Lord Harrower made the following remarks in court: "Brandon Waterson, on 30 May 2025, you were found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh, of a single charge of engaging, over a two year period, between *Redacted* in a course of behaviour that was abusive of your (then) partner.
The offence was aggravated by reason that it involved a child.
There were in fact two children involved, one of whom was biologically yours.
I do not propose to rehearse the full catalogue of your offending.
It is sufficient in these sentencing remarks to note that the course of abusive behaviour consisted of shouting, swearing, the uttering of offensive and derogatory remarks, the throwing of household items, alongside significant physical abuse, including one instance to severe injury and another to injury and danger of life.
Quite often the children would witness the abuse.
One incident of physical violence was interrupted by the older child running into the hall where it was taking place and shouting for her mother.
The course of behaviour also involved you repeatedly having sexual intercourse with your former partner without her consent, in other words, engaging in abusive behaviour amounting to rape.
You are 24 years’ old and the guideline for sentencing young persons applies.
I have also taken account, when assessing culpability, of your relative youth and immaturity during the period in which the offence was committed.
You have a number of previous convictions for non-analogous offences, but have never before received a custodial sentence.
Given the seriousness of the present offence, a prison sentence is inevitable, however, in view of everything said on your behalf in mitigation, that sentence will be significantly less than might otherwise have been imposed.
Mr Waterson, quite apart from the immediate harm caused by the incidents of violence already referred to, such a sustained period of physical and sexual abuse will inevitably have caused deep and lasting psychological harm to your former partner.
There is also a real risk that it will have impacted upon the emotional development of the children.
Taking all the circumstances into consideration, I will sentence you to a period of imprisonment of 6 years and 6 months, 6 months of which is attributable to the child aggravation.
The sentence will be backdated to 30 May 2025, when you were remanded in custody.
I have already certified that the offence contained a significant sexual element, and advised you that you would be subject to the notification provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
I can now inform you that you will be subject to these provisions indefinitely.
I shall make an order that you shall not approach, contact or communicate with the complainer, or attempt to approach, contact or communicate with her, for an indefinite period.
This order does not prevent any communication with a third party that may be necessary in order to facilitate the exercise of any right of contact with a child.
