CRAIG NEILL SENTENCED IN LIVINGSTON TO 13 YEARS FOR SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES
| Red Rose Database
Peterhead Rapist
Craig Neill, aged 33, has received a total prison sentence of 13 years following his conviction for grave sexual offences, including two rapes and abusive coercive behavior towards two partners over several years.
The court described Neill as a "toxic and manipulative" individual who engaged in severe sexual assaults and controlling behaviors. His actions often involved threats, degradation, and efforts to isolate victims from others.
Convicted in March after a jury found him guilty of these charges, the judge highlighted his "significant and lengthy record of previous convictions" and emphasized that his behavior represented a "very high" risk of further violence and sexual reoffending.
He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with an additional 3 years on license, and he is permanently banned from contacting his victims. Furthermore, his name will be added to the sex offenders' register indefinitely, reflecting the court’s view on the seriousness of his threat to public safety.
At the High Court in Livingston, Judge Craig explained the sentence: "You were found guilty by a jury after trial of a total of six charges. Two involved your engaging in separate courses of coercive and abusive behavior over several years towards two different partners, following a similar pattern of threats, control, degradation, and moral denigration, including threats related to her pregnancy."
The judge also detailed the sexual abuse involved, noting: "You were convicted of three separate serious sexual abuse charges, including two rapes. Your victims described your toxicity and manipulation, along with extreme sexual assaults, which have profoundly affected them."
A criminal justice social work report indicated that Neill denies all allegations and takes no responsibility. The report assessed him as posing a "very high" risk of imminent partner violence or physical harm, and a medium risk of re-offending sexually. The judge expressed concern over these findings, affecting her sentencing decision.
With a lengthy and ongoing criminal record, Neill has shown little evidence of desistance except during periods of incarceration. The judge acknowledged health issues, including PTSD, and discussed mitigation in his case, but stated that the gravity of his conduct warranted a lengthy custodial sentence."
The sentencing guidelines emphasize balancing public protection, punishment, disapproval of his behaviors, and potential for rehabilitation. The judge noted that a normal period of license post-release would be insufficient to mitigate risks.
Regarding the six charges, the judge considered what sentence would have been appropriate if each had stood alone:
- Charge 8 (abusive behavior towards partner): 3 years
- Charge 9 (rape): 5 years
- Charge 10 (rape): 5 years
- Charge 13 (abusive behavior): 3 years
- Charge 26 (threatening behavior): 1 year
- Charge 27 (sexual assault): 3 years.
To avoid an excessively severe sentence, these were adjusted into a cumulative sentence totaling 13 years, comprising a 10-year custodial term and a 3-year extension on license. His remand period, interrupted by another sentence in October 2022, was considered; with 20 days served on remand, this equates to a reduction of 40 days from the custodial term, which is therefore set at 9 years and 325 days, backdated to April 23, 2023.
Additionally, the court imposed lifelong non-contact orders preventing Neill from approaching or communicating with his victims, directly or indirectly. He will also remain subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements, and his name will be permanently added to the register as someone deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups.
The court described Neill as a "toxic and manipulative" individual who engaged in severe sexual assaults and controlling behaviors. His actions often involved threats, degradation, and efforts to isolate victims from others.
Convicted in March after a jury found him guilty of these charges, the judge highlighted his "significant and lengthy record of previous convictions" and emphasized that his behavior represented a "very high" risk of further violence and sexual reoffending.
He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with an additional 3 years on license, and he is permanently banned from contacting his victims. Furthermore, his name will be added to the sex offenders' register indefinitely, reflecting the court’s view on the seriousness of his threat to public safety.
At the High Court in Livingston, Judge Craig explained the sentence: "You were found guilty by a jury after trial of a total of six charges. Two involved your engaging in separate courses of coercive and abusive behavior over several years towards two different partners, following a similar pattern of threats, control, degradation, and moral denigration, including threats related to her pregnancy."
The judge also detailed the sexual abuse involved, noting: "You were convicted of three separate serious sexual abuse charges, including two rapes. Your victims described your toxicity and manipulation, along with extreme sexual assaults, which have profoundly affected them."
A criminal justice social work report indicated that Neill denies all allegations and takes no responsibility. The report assessed him as posing a "very high" risk of imminent partner violence or physical harm, and a medium risk of re-offending sexually. The judge expressed concern over these findings, affecting her sentencing decision.
With a lengthy and ongoing criminal record, Neill has shown little evidence of desistance except during periods of incarceration. The judge acknowledged health issues, including PTSD, and discussed mitigation in his case, but stated that the gravity of his conduct warranted a lengthy custodial sentence."
The sentencing guidelines emphasize balancing public protection, punishment, disapproval of his behaviors, and potential for rehabilitation. The judge noted that a normal period of license post-release would be insufficient to mitigate risks.
Regarding the six charges, the judge considered what sentence would have been appropriate if each had stood alone:
- Charge 8 (abusive behavior towards partner): 3 years
- Charge 9 (rape): 5 years
- Charge 10 (rape): 5 years
- Charge 13 (abusive behavior): 3 years
- Charge 26 (threatening behavior): 1 year
- Charge 27 (sexual assault): 3 years.
To avoid an excessively severe sentence, these were adjusted into a cumulative sentence totaling 13 years, comprising a 10-year custodial term and a 3-year extension on license. His remand period, interrupted by another sentence in October 2022, was considered; with 20 days served on remand, this equates to a reduction of 40 days from the custodial term, which is therefore set at 9 years and 325 days, backdated to April 23, 2023.
Additionally, the court imposed lifelong non-contact orders preventing Neill from approaching or communicating with his victims, directly or indirectly. He will also remain subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements, and his name will be permanently added to the register as someone deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups.