A TEENAGE SEX OFFENDER WHO RAPED AN UNDERAGE GIRL HAS BEEN SENTENCED
A young sex offender who assaulted a minor has received a three-year detention order.Dylan Barclay, aged 18 at the time of the offense, committed a sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl who was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis at a residence in Kirkcaldy.
Now 20, Barclay subjected the girl to molestation and sexual acts while she was intoxicated.
During his sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, a judge emphasized that only custody would be appropriate given the circumstances.
Lady Carmichael noted that the custodial sentence for Barclay would be significantly shorter than it would be for an adult offender.
She also mandated that he be placed under community supervision for an additional four years upon release, with the condition that he remains on license.
Barclay, who previously resided on Stratheden Place in Auchtermuchty, denied committing the rape on November 12 and 13, 2023.
However, he was found guilty by a jury after a trial.
During proceedings, defense lawyer Angela Gray KC stated, “He has shown remorse and recognizes the harm caused to his victim.” She highlighted that Barclay, still young, has the potential to change and is motivated to become a responsible parent to his young child.
Gray also remarked that it was generally accepted that incarceration was unavoidable and added, “The sentence imposed will provide the longest period of stability he has experienced.” The judge issued a non-harassment order, barring Barclay from contacting or attempting to contact the victim indefinitely.
Furthermore, Barclay was registered on the sex offenders’ register on an ongoing basis following sentencing.
UPDATE 25/09/2025 Fife offender handed longer jail term after violent abuse campaign A young Fife man has had extra time added to his prison sentence after admitting a prolonged campaign of domestic abuse which included threatening his teenage partner with a knife.
Dylan Barclay, now 20, already serving three years for the rape of a 14-year-old girl, appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court by video link from HMP Polmont.
He pled guilty to an amended charge covering more than two years of abusive behaviour towards a former partner, who was 15 when their relationship began.
Abusive and controlling The court was told Barclay became controlling soon after the teenager moved in with him, criticising her clothing and appearance, and issuing threats.
On one occasion, he told her she was “asking to be raped” because of the shorts she was wearing.
Another time, after she found him texting an ex, he threatened to kill her.
He also pushed her to the ground several times, leaving her bruised.
During another outburst, he sold her games console without consent and later smashed a television with a crowbar.
Knife incident The most frightening event came when Barclay, under the influence of Valium, began stabbing at a bathroom door with a knife while his partner and her dog hid inside.
He shouted threats to kill both of them.
The teenager recorded part of the incident and spent the night barricaded in the bathroom.
Prison calls While serving time at Polmont, Barclay phoned the girl, threatened her, and made degrading comments, saying he would control her when released.
Despite this, the court heard the victim has kept in contact with him and visits with their child.
Sentence extended Sheriff Krista Johnston increased Barclay’s jail term by 10 months, stressing the seriousness of the controlling and violent conduct.
She described his actions as “jealous, threatening, and cruel,” and highlighted that drug use made the behaviour even more dangerous.
Barclay remains on the sex offenders register for life and will continue rehabilitation work in custody.
