NICHOLAS GRANNELL

A male bodybuilder has been sentenced to six years in prison after assaulting and restraining a 16-year-old girl.

Nicholas Grannell was initially introduced to the teenager when she joined a gym, where he served as her personal trainer.

On September 1, 2023, Grannell, then 25, became physically aggressive during the assault at his residence in Dundee, grabbing her neck with his hands.

The case was heard in the High Court in Edinburgh, where the judge highlighted the severity of the offense and the harm caused.

Lord Renucci noted that despite the girl crying and begging him to stop, Grannell continued with the assault, disregarding her pleas.

The impact on the victim was described as significant and lasting, with her releasing a statement after sentencing, calling Grannell "violent, manipulative and dangerous." Although he denied the charges during a previous trial, the jury found him guilty of both assault and rape.

Defense lawyer Gary Allan KC mentioned that Grannell had no relevant prior convictions and provided the court with multiple character references.

The judge ordered Grannell to be placed on the sex offender register indefinitely and issued a non-harassment order to prevent him from contacting or approaching the victim.

The victim, through her legal representatives at Digby Brown, stated that while Grannell's jail time is only six years, her emotional wounds are permanent.

She revealed her confusion over the incident and the loss of her former confidence, now feeling isolated.

She described Grannell as a dangerous predator who exploited his position to victimize her when she was just 16, and shared her ongoing effort to cope with the trauma inflicted by him.