MAN WHO RAPED VULNERABLE TEEN AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER IN HOT TUB JAILED
A man who sexually assaulted a vulnerable teenage girl—first by raping her and later by abusing her in a hot tub at a holiday park—has been sentenced to seven years in prison.Paul Annal, aged 44, sat the 16-year-old on his lap and assaulted her in an outdoor hot tub at Ruthven Falls Holiday Lodges in Angus, after Christmas 2023.
The High Court in Stirling heard that Annal’s wife confronted him during the incident, demanding, "What the f**k is going on?" Annal was arrested and told the police, "I don’t agree with it." The assault took place on December 29, 2023.
The girl later revealed that Annal had raped her two days earlier at his home in Camelon, Falkirk.
Semen was discovered on her clothing, supporting her account.
The court was informed that Annal was aware the girl had been in care and was particularly vulnerable, describing her as “younger than her years.” Annal, who had served in the Army and later became a lorry driver, was said to have been drinking during both incidents.
He also told the court that he and his wife were now “not together.” Following a four-day trial in March, the jury unanimously convicted Annal of rape and sexual assault, despite his denial and claims that the girl was “lying.” He argued in court that he was simply “helping her do crunches” in the hot tub.
Judge Lord Stuart postponed sentencing pending reports.
On Thursday, Annal observed the proceedings via video link from custody.
The judge sentenced him to be on the Sex Offenders Register for life and emphasized that he needed to serve time in prison for his crimes.