KYLE KERNACHAN SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN EDINBURGH FLATS
On the 7th of May, 2025, a man named Kyle Kernachan was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses committed against two women in Edinburgh.The case was heard at the High Court, where the court heard harrowing details of the assaults that took place in different locations within the city.
Kernachan, aged 28 and originally from Dewar Street, Lochgelly, Fife, was found guilty of two separate attacks that occurred in flats located in the Silverknowes and Granton areas of Edinburgh.
The first assault involved the use of a crowbar or a similar object, which was used to carry out a penetrative attack on a woman at Marine Drive, near Silverknowes Beach, sometime between February 2015 and October 2016.
The court was told that this assault was particularly violent and invasive, with Kernachan targeting his victim during this period.
The second attack took place in January 2017 at a property in Granton.
During this incident, the victim was intoxicated and unconscious, rendering her unable to give consent.
Kernachan took advantage of her state, removing her lower clothing and exposing her breasts as he carried out the assault.
This act of rape was described as particularly egregious, given the victim’s incapacitated condition.
Throughout the trial, Kernachan maintained his innocence, denying all charges brought against him.
However, the jury found him guilty of both sexual assaults.
He was also tried for a third alleged rape involving a different woman but was acquitted after the jury returned a not proven verdict on that charge.
Presiding judge Lady Haldane emphasized the seriousness of Kernachan’s crimes, describing them as “grave” and underscoring that a custodial sentence was unavoidable.
She stated, “You have been convicted of a serious sexual assault and separately of rape against two different women.
Given the gravity of these offences, a custodial disposal is inevitable.
However, you have no previous convictions and therefore have not served a sentence before.” In addition to his prison term, Kernachan was ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the court’s stance on the severity of his actions and the need for ongoing monitoring.
Katrina Parkes, the Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, praised the bravery of the victims who came forward.
She stated, “Kyle Kernachan has now been held accountable for his predatory behaviour, and I give thanks to the women who made this possible.
Sexual abuse is a crime, no matter who commits it or how long ago it took place.
I hope this prosecution makes clear that we will take action against perpetrators involved in this type of offending.” This case serves as a stark reminder of the justice system’s unwavering commitment to pursuing and punishing those responsible for sexual violence, regardless of the passage of time or the circumstances surrounding the offences.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of accountability and the protection of victims within the community of Edinburgh.
