MIDLOTHIAN SEX OFFENDER KEVIN COWLEY JAILED AFTER HORRIFIC ATTACK IN GLASGOW AND EAST LOTHIAN
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities, Kevin Cowley, a man originally from Midlothian, has been sentenced to four years in prison following a heinous sexual assault that took place at a caravan site in East Lothian.Cowley's criminal actions have left a lasting scar on his young victim and have raised serious concerns about safety and accountability within the traveling fairground community.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Boyd of Duncansby addressed Cowley's actions with grave seriousness.
The court was told that Cowley, who was then residing in Broadhurst Road, Easthouses, Midlothian, had previously been living in Shettleston, Glasgow, as of July 2022.
The judge remarked that Cowley offered no explanation for his behavior, which was clearly motivated by his own sexual gratification.
Lord Boyd emphasized the traumatic impact of the assault on the young girl, stating, “It is clear this had a traumatic and lasting effect on your victim.” The charges stemmed from an incident on May 21 of the previous year, where Cowley was found guilty of indecently assaulting a 15-year-old girl at a caravan site in East Lothian.
Although initially charged with rape, Cowley pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of indecent assault by penetration.
Evidence presented in court revealed that during the assault, Cowley removed the girl’s pants, pulled up her bra and T-shirt, and engaged in masturbation while molesting her as she slept.
DNA analysis confirmed that Cowley had carried out a sex act on himself during the attack.
The victim later confided in her parents that she had been penetrated, adding to the severity of the crime.
The court was told that Cowley had been drinking heavily in the Leith area of Edinburgh prior to the incident, spending approximately £100 on alcohol.
He then contacted the girl’s family, requesting to be picked up and allowed to stay overnight at their home.
According to the prosecutor, advocate depute Lynsey MacDonald, the girl had gone to her bedroom and fallen asleep but awoke to find Cowley leaning over her.
She described the scene, saying, “The victim could smell a strong smell of alcohol from the accused’s breath.” Her pants had been removed, and her bra and T-shirt had been pulled up.
The girl was unable to recall what happened immediately before she woke up, indicating a period of unconsciousness or memory loss.
Panicked and distressed, the girl pushed Cowley away and ran to her parents’ room, crying and complaining of pain.
Her mother stayed with her to provide comfort, while her father confronted Cowley, who was asked to wait until police arrived.
Cowley was detained at the scene, and during police interviews, he did not deny touching the girl.
The court heard that Cowley’s actions had a profound and damaging effect on the victim, who was only 15 at the time.
In addition to his prison sentence, Cowley was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.
The judge’s ruling underscores the severity of the crime and the ongoing threat posed by individuals convicted of such offenses.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for community awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future, especially within vulnerable populations and transient communities like the traveling fairground circuit.
