CUNNINGHAM FROM CARLUIKE CONVICTED OF RAPE IN HAMILTON INVOLVING VULNERABLE SCHOOLGIRL

A 23-year-old man named Daniel Cunningham, hailing from Carluke, has been found guilty of a heinous sexual assault involving a vulnerable schoolgirl. The incident occurred in Hamilton on July 13, 2019, and the details of the case reveal a disturbing sequence of predatory behavior.

According to court proceedings, Cunningham initially approached the young girl at a local shop in Hamilton, where he engaged her with the promise of cigarettes, a tactic often used to lure minors into dangerous situations. After gaining her trust, he led her to a secluded area near a wooded hillside, where the assault took place. The court heard that Cunningham's actions included kissing the girl and performing a sexual act on her, before he demanded that she reciprocate. During the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, Cunningham explicitly stated that he 'didn't care if she wanted to or not' when he forced her into performing a sex act, highlighting the coercive nature of the assault.

Throughout the proceedings, Cunningham denied the allegations of rape. However, the jury found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. During the verdict reading, Cunningham displayed visible signs of distress, covering his face with his hands, indicating the emotional toll of the conviction. The presiding judge, Lord Arthurson, emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, "The jury have convicted you of an extremely serious rape to injury with a vulnerable girl who was a stranger to you when you were 21."

Following the conviction, Cunningham was remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for the following month. It is noteworthy that he has no prior criminal record involving custodial sentences. As part of his sentence, Cunningham was also placed on the sex offenders register, reflecting the serious nature of his offense.

Prosecutors characterized the crime as opportunistic and predatory, emphasizing that it was committed against a child. Evidence presented in court included DNA analysis, which confirmed Cunningham’s involvement, as his DNA was found on the girl’s body. This forensic evidence played a crucial role in securing the conviction. The court has deferred sentencing to allow for further background reports to be prepared, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Cunningham’s circumstances before final judgment is passed.