MIDLOTHIAN MAN CONVICTED OF RAPING PROPERTY MANAGER DURING HOUSE INSPECTION
A 39-year-old man named Keith Stevenson has been convicted of raping a property manager during her house inspection in Gorebridge, Midlothian.The woman, aged 51, testified that Stevenson grabbed her by the neck and forced her into a bedroom.
Despite her attempt to de-escalate by pretending she was pregnant, Stevenson told her to shut up and continued with the assault.
She fought back by kicking and biting him, then managed to escape the house, drive to a hospital, and call the police.
The incident occurred on March 18 of the previous year.
Stevenson denied the rape, but the jury took just over an hour to find him guilty.
The judge, Lord Kinclaven, deferred sentencing to obtain a report on whether Stevenson’s offenses qualify for a life sentence.
As he left the court, Stevenson laughed and shouted, "Wahey!" The victim described the attack as frightening and recounted being dragged into a bedroom and threatened with death.
She said she started screaming and kicking and bit Stevenson to defend herself.
Jurors also returned verdicts of not proven on charges of a sexual assault and attempted rape of another woman in Gorebridge in 2014.
Prosecutor Peter Ferguson QC noted Stevenson’s prior convictions for violence.
Stevenson is scheduled for sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow on April 7.
Police Scotland highlighted Stevenson’s devious tactics in luring the victim and emphasized the importance of reporting sexual crimes, expressing hope that the conviction will help the victim begin to move on.
