A RAPE SURVIVOR WAS KICKED OUT OF COURT FOR SOBBING WHEN HER ABUSER WAS CONVICTED.
Family members were present to comfort the woman as jurors in Edinburgh reached a unanimous guilty verdict.Shortly after Owen McLaren, aged 41, was informed he faced a lengthy prison term, Lord Summers ordered the removal of the public gallery at the High Court in Edinburgh due to the woman’s audible distress.
An insider commented: “The woman deserved to hear the judge’s remarks and was prevented from doing so because of her visible emotions.
“Couldn’t a brief pause have been requested instead of shutting the court?
“This treatment is unacceptable for any victim of crime, especially a rape victim.” Another witness added: “I’ve never seen a victim treated this way in court.
“It’s a terrible way to treat someone.” Gender violence expert Dr Mairead Tagg criticized the judge’s actions.
She explained: “I am appalled by the apparent lack of empathy and understanding.
This is inhumane behavior.
“She should have been treated with respect and kindness, not seen as a nuisance in the courtroom.” McLaren, who hails from Chirnside in Berwickshire, denied all charges initially, but was found guilty of rape and indecent assault.
His victims were teenagers at the time of the assaults.
He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
SENTENCING STATEMENT DATED 16/10/2025 At the High Court in Glasgow Lord Summers imposed a 9 years extended sentence on Owen McLaren after the offender was convicted of rape and indecent assault On sentencing Lord Summers made the following remarks in court: "Owen McLaren, you have been unanimously convicted of three charges.
In charge 2 you were convicted of the indecent assault a girl in 2009.
In charges 3 and 4 you were convicted of the rape of of a girl in the period 2018 to 2019.
She was aged at that time between 13 and 14 years of age.
I propose to sentence these crimes in cumulo.
In passing sentence, I note that you are 41 years of age.
You have a number of previous convictions, but they are non-analogous and I have disregarded them.
There are some aggravating features in this case.
The victims in each case were young and in one case very young.
I also take account of the fact that you were in a relationship of trust with the complainers.
I have read the victim impact statement from one of the complainers and acknowledge the impact these crimes have had on her.
Given the gravity of your crimes, I will pronounce an extended sentence of 9 years.
This will compose of a custodial portion of seven years and a 2-year extension period.
It seems to me in light of the whole evidence that you pose a risk to younger women and as a result I consider for the protection of the public you should remain under post-release supervision for a two-year period.
This sentence will take effect from the date you were remanded.
I will make the usual order under the Vulnerable Groups legislation and place you on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.
I will pronounce a non-harassment order for a period of 20 years.
