MARK MORHAM FROM KELTY SENTENCED IN GLASGOW FOR RAPE OF 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In January 2015, a serious criminal case unfolded involving Mark Morham, an 18-year-old former marine cadet from Kelty, who was convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl. The incident took place at Morham's residence on 18 January 2014, and the case was heard at the High Court in Glasgow.

Morham, who was still attending school at the time of the offence but had since progressed to studying music at university, admitted to the crime and subsequently expressed remorse through a text message. The court was informed that Morham sent a WhatsApp message to the victim, stating, "I'm sorry. I just lost control and in the moment I done it. I basically raped you. I'm sorry. I really am."

Judge Lord Turnbull, presiding over the case, acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but also considered Morham's guilty plea and remorse. He stated, "The crime of rape can only ever be viewed as a most serious one. You overcame your victim's determined resistance and you used your strength to penetrate her against her wishes." The judge emphasized that only a custodial sentence could adequately reflect the gravity of the crime.

However, Lord Turnbull also noted factors that warranted some leniency. He pointed out that Morham's behaviour was out of character, that he came from a supportive and stable family background, and that he had shown genuine remorse. The judge remarked, "These are factors which are quite unusual in offences of this kind. Your conviction will bring your university education to an end. This will be a punishment in itself."

Morham was sentenced to 28 months in detention and was placed on the sex offenders' register. The court detailed the circumstances leading to the offence, revealing that Morham and the victim had been kissing and cuddling while watching a movie. Despite her clear protests and telling him she did not want to have sex, Morham persisted.

Prosecutor Jane Farquharson described the assault, stating, "She describes the accused taking hold of one of her arms and pushing it above her head. She was unable to push him off. She kept telling him to stop." The court heard that Morham then straddled the girl and raped her, despite her protests. It was also noted that the victim had expressed her desire to wait until engagement or marriage before losing her virginity, a fact Morham was aware of.

This case highlights the serious consequences of such actions, and the court's decision reflects the importance of addressing sexual offences with appropriate severity, while also considering individual circumstances and remorse.