JOHN MIDDLETON CONVICTED OF SEXUAL OFFENCES IN ABERDEEN AND NORTHFIELD

In a high-profile case at the High Court in Aberdeen, 25-year-old John Middleton faced justice for two severe sexual offences involving different women. The courtroom was tense as the proceedings unfolded, revealing a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior by Middleton, who has a history of sexual offenses.

During the trial, Middleton's emotional outbursts drew significant attention. As the jury delivered their verdict, he was seen crying hysterically in the dock, visibly distressed and protesting his innocence. At one point, he called the jury “rats,” a derogatory term that underscored his defiance and refusal to accept the court's decision. His protests did not cease there; he continued to shout and accuse the jury of bias, prompting Judge Olga Pasportnikov to intervene. Recognizing the disruptive nature of his behavior, the judge ordered Middleton to be removed from the courtroom, as he vociferously maintained his innocence and questioned how the jury could find him guilty.

John Middleton's criminal record is extensive, including two previous sexual offenses, which added weight to the court's considerations. At the time of the incidents, he was on bail, a fact that raised concerns about his ongoing risk to the public. The first charge stemmed from an incident on August 3, 2020, when Middleton allegedly raped a woman at a flat near Aberdeen’s Beach Boulevard. The court heard that prior to the assault, he made sexual remarks to her and exposed himself, actions that contributed to the jury's conviction of him for this offence by a majority verdict.

The second incident involved Middleton's assault on a second woman between November 20 and November 25, 2022. This took place at a property in Northfield, where the victim was either intoxicated or unconscious, rendering her unable to give consent. Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Middleton took her into a bath and touched her private parts before attempting to rape her, and ultimately succeeding in raping her. The jury unanimously found him guilty of this second charge, underscoring the severity of his actions.

Throughout the proceedings, Middleton's behavior remained confrontational. After being convicted, he continued to shout at the jury, calling them “rats,” and insisted on his innocence, even as he was led out of the court. His actions reflected a blatant disregard for the judicial process and the victims involved.

Sentencing for John Middleton is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Inverness on July 4, 2024. In addition to his conviction, he has been placed on the sex offenders register, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage individuals convicted of such serious crimes.