DENNIS FORD FROM ARBROATH FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE IN DUNDEE COURT

Dennis Ford, a resident of Arbroath, has been convicted of raping a woman in 2018 following a four-day trial held at the High Court in Dundee. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the assault, which took place at Ford's residence. It was established that Ford attacked his victim while she was asleep and under the influence of prescription medication, rendering her unable to give consent. The court heard that Ford physically pulled down her clothing, and once she regained consciousness, he touched her breasts, removed her jeans, and committed the act of rape.

During the trial, the jury also considered several other charges of rape spanning from 2016 to 2018, all involving the same victim. However, they found Ford not proven on these additional counts, which were also linked to the victim being under the influence of medication at the time. Despite this, the conviction for the 2018 assault stands as a serious breach of trust and personal safety.

Following the verdict, Ford was remanded into custody and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 13, where the court will determine the length of time he must remain on the register. The judge overseeing the case emphasized the gravity of the offence, noting Ford's prior criminal record, which includes a conviction for a drugs offence in 2019 that resulted in a four-month prison sentence. Additionally, Ford had earlier admitted to possession and involvement in cannabis production in 2014, for which he was ordered to perform unpaid work.

The judge highlighted that Ford's criminal history is predominantly composed of road traffic violations and drug-related offences, underscoring a pattern of unlawful behavior. The court has ordered reports to be prepared before sentencing, which will also clarify how long Ford will be required to register as a sex offender. This case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of sexual assault crimes and the importance of accountability, especially considering Ford's previous convictions and ongoing criminal issues.