DOUGLAS CONNELL'S BRUTAL RAPE AND STABBING IN NEWBURGH AND STONEYBURN LEADS TO 10-YEAR SENTENCE

A man identified as Douglas Connell, whose violent actions took place in the towns of Newburgh and Stoneyburn, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of heinous crimes, including a brutal rape and attempted murder of a young mother. The sentencing occurred yesterday in the High Court in Edinburgh, where Lord Penrose also imposed an extended 10-year supervision order, ensuring that Connell will remain under the watchful eye of authorities even after his release from prison.

Details of the attack reveal that the victim, a 21-year-old woman, was subjected to a terrifying ordeal in her own home. She was found to have summoned the strength to crawl for help after her screams, which were heard by her baby, prompted her to seek aid. Naked and bleeding, she managed to reach a neighbour’s house in Stoneyburn on her hands and knees. She then succeeded in waking her neighbour by kicking on the door while lying on her back, desperately seeking assistance.

Meanwhile, Connell, who had been staying at the victim’s residence in West Lothian after a dispute with his girlfriend, had gone to bed with her after removing his bloodstained clothes, intending to wash them. It was during this time that the police and court records indicate he had a history of violence, including a previous conviction for carrying a knife. Additionally, Connell’s background includes a psychiatric history dating back to childhood, and on the night of the attack, he was found to be smoking cannabis.

The assault began in the early hours when the victim was in bed. She was suddenly awakened as Connell entered her room, turning on the light. He was standing there, holding a knife, and quickly covered her mouth with his hand. He then forced her to walk to the bathroom, threatening her with the weapon and making it clear he intended to rape her. When she questioned his intentions, he responded calmly that he was going to rape her. After the initial assault, Connell ordered her to remove her T-shirt. When she resisted, he threatened her with the knife again and raped her a second time.

The victim then felt what she initially thought was a punch on her back. It was only afterward that she realized she had been stabbed, noticing blood on the blade of the knife. Almost immediately, Connell stabbed her in the chest. Despite this, she managed to grab the weapon and throw it away. She attempted to call for help via her mobile phone but was unable to get a signal. Weakened and injured, she collapsed as she tried to make her way to the front door.

Throughout her ordeal, the victim’s young daughter’s screams played a crucial role. Hearing her child’s distress gave her the strength to crawl next door to seek help. The court was told that Lord Penrose described the attack as “quite horrendous,” emphasizing the severity of Connell’s actions in the towns of Newburgh and Stoneyburn. The judge’s verdict reflects the gravity of the crimes committed by Douglas Connell, who now faces a lengthy period of incarceration and supervision.