HAMISH PATERSON FROM BRIDGE OF DON SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN ABERDEEN HOUSE PARTY

In June 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving Hamish Paterson, a 25-year-old man from Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a female friend during a house party in the city. The incident, which took place in October 2017, has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it.

Paterson, who previously worked in a supermarket, had developed a friendship with the victim through their shared employment. On the night of the incident, the woman attended a gathering at a house in Aberdeen, where alcohol was consumed by many attendees, including Paterson. As the evening progressed, the woman became intoxicated and eventually fell asleep. She was later helped upstairs by other partygoers, and a woman assisted her in changing into pyjamas before she retired for the night.

However, the situation took a sinister turn. The following morning, the woman awoke in an unfamiliar room to find Paterson on top of her, engaging in sexual activity. This shocking revelation was brought to light during the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Advocate depute Keith Stewart QC addressed the jury, emphasizing the victim’s vulnerable state, stating, “You might conclude the complainer was not in any condition in which she could consent.”

Paterson, who was residing at Donmouth Court in Bridge of Don, denied the charges of assault and rape, claiming that the sexual activity was consensual. Despite his denials, the jury unanimously convicted him of raping the woman while she was asleep and intoxicated. He faced additional charges, including a separate allegation of rape against another woman, a 23-year-old, which he also denied. That incident allegedly occurred on August 8, 2017, at his residence in Donmouth Court, where the woman was reportedly asleep and awoke to find herself assaulted.

The court heard that the second woman later sent Paterson a message expressing her distress, stating, “I really did not know how to word this but last night I said ‘no’ and you still carried on.” This message was a key piece of evidence in the case.

During the trial, Paterson attempted to justify his actions by claiming that the woman at the party was making advances towards him and was heavily intoxicated. He described her behavior as flirtatious and “dirty dancing,” asserting that he only went upstairs to monitor her, fearing she might become sick. Paterson insisted that his intentions were benign, telling police, “I am not a bad person,” and maintaining that he acted out of concern for her well-being.

Judge Lord Uist, presiding over the case, acknowledged Paterson’s lack of previous convictions but emphasized the severity of the crime. He explained that a background report was necessary before sentencing. Ultimately, Paterson was found guilty of the grave offence of rape and was remanded in custody. As part of his sentence, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the serious nature of his conviction and the impact on the victims involved.