KIERAN COLE SENTENCED TO 4 YEARS IN EDINBURGH FOR RAPE IN BONNYRIGG'S WAVERLEY PARK

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Summers handed down a sentence of four years' imprisonment to Kieran Cole following his conviction for the serious crime of rape. The court proceedings revealed that Mr. Cole was 20 years old at the time of sentencing, but he was only 18 when the offense was committed, highlighting the young age of the offender during the incident.

The incident in question occurred in Waverley Park, Bonnyrigg, a location well-known in the area. The crime took place after Mr. Cole and the victim had spent an evening socializing at a nearby pub, a common gathering spot for locals. According to the court records, the jury found Mr. Cole guilty of rape, a charge that involved explicit and graphic details which are part of the judicial record, underscoring the severity of the offense.

During the sentencing, Lord Summers pointed out that after committing the crime, Mr. Cole fled into the darkness, abandoning the victim who was left alone and vulnerable. It was noted that the victim was later assisted by a neighbor, but the defendant’s actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for her well-being. The judge described Mr. Cole’s conduct as callous and showed a lack of concern for the victim’s suffering, emphasizing the gravity of his actions and the impact on the victim.

In considering the appropriate punishment, Lord Summers took into account Mr. Cole’s youth and the fact that he had no prior criminal convictions. These factors contributed to the decision to impose a four-year prison sentence, which is set to commence from 27 May 2025. Additionally, Mr. Cole was ordered to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period, reflecting the seriousness of his crime. He was also issued a Non-Harassment Order that will remain in effect indefinitely, aiming to prevent any further contact or harassment of the victim.

The judge underscored the importance of judicial independence in ensuring that justice is served fairly and that legal rights are protected. He explained that the sentence was carefully calibrated to reflect both the severity of the offense and the mitigating factors, such as Mr. Cole’s age and lack of prior convictions, while also considering relevant aggravating circumstances. The ruling sends a clear message about the consequences of such serious crimes within the community of Edinburgh and Bonnyrigg.