JAMES MCGHEE FROM PRESTONPANS SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL SEXUAL AND VIOLENT CRIMES IN EDINBURGH AND SURROUNDING AREAS

In a case that has shocked the local communities, James McGhee, a 22-year-old man from Prestonpans, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of eight years after being convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving two women. The offences, which spanned over several years and multiple locations, included multiple counts of rape, assault, and acts of violence that left lasting scars on the victims.

McGhee’s criminal activities began when he was still a teenager, and his pattern of abuse escalated over time. The High Court in Edinburgh heard how his conduct was characterized by a disturbing combination of violence, control, and sexual assault. The judge, Lord Woolman, condemned McGhee’s actions, describing his behavior as “disgraceful and inexcusable,” and emphasized the profound impact it had on the victims.

One of the victims, who was subjected to repeated assaults at various addresses in Prestonpans, Tranent, North Berwick, and even in a car at Cameron Toll in Edinburgh, recounted the terrifying ordeal. During these attacks, which occurred over a three-year period starting in 2013, she was subjected to physical violence including slaps, punches, throttling, biting, and being dragged by her hair. She was also menaced with a knife and a screwdriver, which added a layer of danger and intimidation to her suffering.

In 2015, this same woman was raped by McGhee, who grabbed her by the wrists and forcibly pinned her down. She described her experience vividly, saying, “I remember not being able to move. I was saying ‘no’ and crying,” highlighting the trauma she endured.

The second victim, aged 26, also endured severe violence at the hands of McGhee. Over a two-year period from 2016, she was assaulted at various locations including North Berwick, Musselburgh, Tranent, Prestonpans, and Edinburgh. Her injuries were serious enough to require hospital treatment twice, with broken legs and a fractured eye socket. Her account detailed repeated physical assaults, including kicking, punching, slapping, pushing, and biting. She also recounted a particularly terrifying incident where McGhee forced his thumb into her eye, hit her with a pickaxe handle and a glass tumbler, and even placed a screwdriver at her throat.

The second victim described McGhee as “jealous and controlling,” and revealed that she was subjected to multiple rapes. She recounted a specific incident where he grabbed her by the throat, describing it as lasting about a minute but feeling like an eternity, and said, “It terrified me. It took my breath away.”

Throughout the trial, McGhee admitted to acts of physical violence but denied using weapons or committing rape. Despite his denials, the court found him guilty of seven counts of rape and two additional assault charges. The judge noted that McGhee’s behavior represented a significant escalation in his offending pattern and ordered that he be placed under supervision for an additional three years after his release.

Furthermore, a risk assessment classified McGhee as a high risk for sexual offending, underscoring the danger he poses to the community. As part of his sentence, he was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

James McGhee’s case highlights the severity of his crimes and the lasting trauma inflicted upon his victims, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice for those affected by such violent and predatory behavior.