DEREK BOYD SENTENCED IN AYRSHIRE FOR RAPE OF BLIND TEENAGER IN IRVINE AND ARDROSSAN

A man named Derek Boyd has been convicted and sentenced for a serious sexual assault that took place in Ayrshire, specifically in the towns of Irvine and Ardrossan. The incident involved a young woman, who was just 19 years old at the time, and who is registered blind, making her particularly vulnerable to predatory behavior.

According to court reports, Boyd, who was 48 years old at the time of the attack, targeted the woman at a property located in his hometown of Irvine. Described in court documents as 'significantly overweight,' Boyd's actions have now led to a lengthy prison sentence. The assault occurred on June 10, 2022, and after the initial attack in Irvine, Boyd moved to Ardrossan, another town within Ayrshire, where he continued to pose a threat.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the nature of the attack. It was established that Boyd began raping the young woman while she was asleep, taking advantage of her inability to see. The victim, upon waking during the assault, attempted to push Boyd away, but was unable to do so effectively. Despite her efforts to resist, Boyd continued the assault while she was conscious, causing significant trauma.

Boyd denied the allegations, claiming that the encounter was consensual. However, the jury did not accept his version of events and found him guilty of a single charge of rape. During the trial at the High Court in Kilmarnock, the young woman was compelled to give evidence against Boyd, which was a difficult and emotional process given the circumstances.

The court's decision resulted in Boyd receiving an extended sentence of eight years and three months. This sentence comprises a six-year-and-three-month prison term, along with a two-year extended supervision order. This supervision will require Boyd to be monitored and supported by social workers upon his release from prison, ensuring ongoing oversight of his conduct.

In addition to his prison sentence, Boyd has been placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Furthermore, he has been subject to a Non-Harassment Order (NHO) for ten years, which explicitly bans him from approaching or contacting the victim in any manner during this period. This legal measure aims to protect the young woman from further harassment or intimidation, emphasizing the seriousness with which the justice system has responded to this case.