JOHN DUTCH SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST SIX GIRLS IN ANGUS

John Dutch, a 20-year-old convicted rapist, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for multiple sexual offenses committed against six girls in Angus between 2019 and 2022. During proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, testimonies revealed that Dutch abducted a 14-year-old girl, holding her captive and driving her to a remote location, where he repeatedly raped her. In another incident, he recorded himself sexually assaulting another girl. Dutch also assaulted a nine-year-old schoolgirl under the false belief that she was asleep. His predatory actions prompted a police investigation, eventually leading to his arrest.

During sentencing, Lord Mulholland highlighted the impact of Dutch’s actions, stating that he had caused significant harm to vulnerable teenage girls. The judge criticized Dutch for showing a disregard for his victims’ autonomy and emphasized the importance of consent, saying, ‘No means no. That is the law.’ Lord Mulholland also acknowledged the bravery of the victims who testified, asserting their courage in speaking out despite Dutch’s attempts to deny any wrongdoing.

Upon release from prison, Dutch will be subject to two years of supervised release. He has also been permanently registered on the sex offenders register.