JOHN MCDERMOTT FROM KNIGHTSWOOD SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN EDINBURGH
| Red Rose Database
Knightswood Rapist
In a case that has shocked the local community of Knightswood and the wider Scottish region, 18-year-old John McDermott has been sentenced to five years in a Young Offenders Institution following his conviction for the serious crime of rape. The incident took place on November 29, 2015, at a residence within the Knightswood area, where McDermott assaulted a 14-year-old girl who was under the influence of alcohol.
Details of the case emerged during a sentencing hearing held at the High Court in Edinburgh. The court was informed that the victim, who had consumed a significant amount of vodka, was unable to give her consent when McDermott forcibly removed her clothing and subsequently lay on top of her, committing the act of rape. The court heard that the assault was carried out in a manner that demonstrated a complete disregard for the victim’s well-being and autonomy.
The case came to light when McDermott appeared before Judge Craig Scott QC on May 19 for sentencing. Earlier in the year, McDermott had been convicted at a trial held at the High Court in Glasgow. The sentencing had been postponed to allow the court to review reports concerning McDermott’s character and background.
During the proceedings, defence lawyer Tony Graham highlighted that McDermott had experienced significant personal loss, including the death of both his father and sister. Mr. Graham urged the court to consider these factors, suggesting they might have influenced his client’s behavior.
However, Judge Scott emphasized that the gravity of the crime warranted a custodial sentence. In his remarks, the judge expressed disappointment that McDermott had not considered the psychological and emotional impact his actions would have on the victim. He criticized McDermott for displaying an “abject lack of empathy” towards the young girl, noting that such behavior could have long-lasting effects on her.
Judge Scott stated, “You did not take into account the psychological and emotional impact that your actions would have on your victim. You have shown an abject lack of empathy towards the complainer in this case. You may, in the fullness of time, come to appreciate the consequences that your actions have had on the young woman in this case. However, an offence of this nature can only be marked by the imposition of a custodial sentence.”
As a result, McDermott was sentenced to serve his time at YOI Polmont, located in Stirlingshire, where he will remain for the next five years, reflecting the serious nature of his crime and the need for appropriate punishment and rehabilitation.
Details of the case emerged during a sentencing hearing held at the High Court in Edinburgh. The court was informed that the victim, who had consumed a significant amount of vodka, was unable to give her consent when McDermott forcibly removed her clothing and subsequently lay on top of her, committing the act of rape. The court heard that the assault was carried out in a manner that demonstrated a complete disregard for the victim’s well-being and autonomy.
The case came to light when McDermott appeared before Judge Craig Scott QC on May 19 for sentencing. Earlier in the year, McDermott had been convicted at a trial held at the High Court in Glasgow. The sentencing had been postponed to allow the court to review reports concerning McDermott’s character and background.
During the proceedings, defence lawyer Tony Graham highlighted that McDermott had experienced significant personal loss, including the death of both his father and sister. Mr. Graham urged the court to consider these factors, suggesting they might have influenced his client’s behavior.
However, Judge Scott emphasized that the gravity of the crime warranted a custodial sentence. In his remarks, the judge expressed disappointment that McDermott had not considered the psychological and emotional impact his actions would have on the victim. He criticized McDermott for displaying an “abject lack of empathy” towards the young girl, noting that such behavior could have long-lasting effects on her.
Judge Scott stated, “You did not take into account the psychological and emotional impact that your actions would have on your victim. You have shown an abject lack of empathy towards the complainer in this case. You may, in the fullness of time, come to appreciate the consequences that your actions have had on the young woman in this case. However, an offence of this nature can only be marked by the imposition of a custodial sentence.”
As a result, McDermott was sentenced to serve his time at YOI Polmont, located in Stirlingshire, where he will remain for the next five years, reflecting the serious nature of his crime and the need for appropriate punishment and rehabilitation.