CAMERON STEELE FROM FRASERBURGH SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SCOTLAND

In a harrowing case that unfolded in Fraserburgh, a 33-year-old man named Cameron Steele was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 12 years after a terrifying incident involving a 14-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in January 1998, was only halted by the courageous screams of the girl’s mother, who intervened just in time to prevent a potential rape.

According to court proceedings, Steele, a former fisherman with a troubling criminal history, had targeted the young girl while she was sleeping in her home. He entered her residence at night, armed with a knife, and woke her from her sleep with the intent to commit a sexual assault. The court heard that Steele had previously been convicted twice of indecent assault, and one of those convictions involved an incident of abduction, highlighting his long-standing pattern of predatory behavior.

The prosecution detailed that Steele, wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints, had forcibly entered the girl’s house on October 4 of the previous year. Once inside, he assaulted her with the clear intention of raping her. The court was told that he had cut the phone line to prevent her from calling for help. During the attack, Steele pressed a knife against her throat, causing her to feel the sharp point of the weapon. He then threatened her, warning, “Just you be quiet or you will get this.”

As Steele was in the process of removing the girl’s nightclothes, her mother, who had been awakened by the commotion, entered the room. Her screams and protests startled Steele, who then fled the scene, pushing her mother aside in his haste to escape. The court heard that the girl continues to suffer from nightmares and a persistent fear of the dark, trauma that has left a lasting impact on her life.

During the trial, Steele’s defense lawyer, Jack Davidson QC, argued that his client was remorseful for his actions. He pointed out that Steele had pleaded guilty, thereby sparing the victim from having to relive the ordeal in court. The defense also mentioned that Steele had no recollection of the incident, attributing his actions to alcohol consumption prior to the attack.

Lord Bonomy, presiding over the case at the High Court in Edinburgh, emphasized the danger Steele posed to women, stating, “Your record indicates that for a long time you have posed a threat to women.” The court’s decision to sentence Steele to 12 years reflects the severity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he represents to society, especially in the Fraserburgh area where the incident occurred.