CRAIG HIGGINS SENTENCED IN STEVENSTON FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENSES IN NORTH AYRSHIRE

Craig Higgins, a 37-year-old man from Stevenston, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence of nine years after being found guilty of multiple severe sexual offenses committed within North Ayrshire. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior, including two particularly heinous sexual assaults on women, separated by a span of eight years.

The first assault took place in 2010 when Higgins unlawfully entered a woman’s bedroom in Stevenston. The victim was asleep at the time, and Higgins took advantage of her vulnerability by sneaking into her private space without her knowledge or consent. This incident remained unresolved until Higgins was eventually apprehended in 2018, bringing some measure of justice for the victim.

The second assault occurred at a graveyard near St John’s Church, where Higgins targeted a woman who was heavily intoxicated. The court heard that Higgins had led her from a taxi to the secluded area and then subjected her to a brutal assault. The details of this attack painted a picture of a man who exploited women in vulnerable states, further emphasizing the severity of his crimes.

During the trial, the court was informed that Higgins had a prior conviction for sexual exposure, which underscored his pattern of predatory behavior. It was also revealed that Higgins had boasted openly about his sexual exploits, displaying a disturbing attitude towards women. The High Court in Glasgow heard evidence describing Higgins’ attitude as 'despicable,' with Judge Lady Rae condemning his conduct and characterizing his view of women as 'objects.'

Judge Lady Rae addressed Higgins directly during sentencing, stating, 'You raped two women, who, at the time, were in a vulnerable state.' She detailed how the first woman was in her own bedroom when Higgins entered uninvited, taking advantage of her trust and privacy. The second woman, intoxicated and unable to defend herself, was led from a taxi to a graveyard where she was assaulted.

The judge also criticized Higgins’ arrogance and the way he demeaned the women during his evidence, noting that he falsely accused the victims of lying while he himself was the true liar. Recognizing the danger Higgins continues to pose to society, the court ordered that he be subject to monitoring for three years after his release from prison, to ensure public safety and prevent further harm.