PAUL WOODS SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND RAPE OF YOUNG WOMAN

A man named Paul Woods, aged 53, was warned on Thursday that he faces a lengthy prison term after being convicted of raping a young woman in Edinburgh. The victim, a 22-year-old woman, alleged that Woods first molested her in a hot tub before following her into a house and attacking her. During the court hearing, it was revealed that Woods, of Preston Crescent, Prestonpans, East Lothian, denied assaulting and raping the woman in September 2019. However, the jury reached a guilty verdict by a majority.

The court heard that Woods moved the woman onto her back and tapped her face before raping her while she lay on a bed pretending to sleep. Woods later told police that he believed she was asleep at the time. The High Court in Edinburgh was told that the woman was wearing only a towel when she fled the scene after the assault, visibly shaken and crying.

The case was further detailed by the judge, Lord Tyre, who agreed to continue Woods' bail to allow for a background report before sentencing. Lord Tyre warned Woods, stating, "You should be aware it is extremely unlikely that I am going to do anything other than pass a substantial custodial sentence when you come back for sentencing." He also ordered Woods to be placed on the sex offenders' register. The judge emphasized to jurors that the case was considered serious.

Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Woods and the woman had been drinking and had shared a hot tub with others at a local house in East Lothian. The woman, who was wearing a swimsuit, testified that Woods touched her inappropriately in the hot tub, leaving her shocked. She then left the tub and went into the house, intending to go to bed, while Woods followed her.

To avoid further contact, the woman pretended to sleep when Woods entered the house, wrapping herself in a towel to hide her distress. After the assault, she quickly grabbed her towel and ran out of the house, still crying and visibly shaken. She was later seen by a police officer in this distressed state.

DNA evidence collected after the incident linked Woods to the attack, confirming his involvement. Advocate depute Derick Nelson told the jury that when all evidence was considered, the case against Woods was "compelling, overwhelming." During his police interview, Woods denied any sexual misconduct, the court heard.