KELTY MAN JAILED FOR RAPING EPILEPTIC WOMAN IN COWARDLY ATTACK
A sex offender who attacked and raped a woman who was having an epileptic seizure in a "cowardly" crime was jailed today.Paul Zarb (64) preyed on the victim after she suffered a fit and was in no state to consent to sex.
Zarb, of Keltyhill Road, Kelty, had denied raping the woman during a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh but was convicted of the offence by a majority verdict of a jury.
He assaulted the woman on August 27 in 2023 while she was having a seizure and incapable of consenting and raped her before wiping her with a tissue.
A judge told him: "The jury clearly accepted that she was still in the effects of an epileptic seizure and was in no position to consent.
The logical consequence of that is your actions were cowardly." Judge Alistair Watson said Zarb had no previous criminal record other than a minor road traffic offence.
The distressed woman made contact with a helpline after the offence and appeared tearful and in an emotional state during the call.
Zarb also sent the woman a text message in which he told her: "I am truly sorry." The judge deferred sentence on Zarb for the preparation of a background report and told him: "In the meantime, given the gravity of this matter, you will be remanded in custody." Zarb was placed on the sex offenders' register and his conviction will be notified to Scottish Ministers under legislation designed to protect vulnerable groups.
He is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on October 24.
UPDATE 27/10/2025 Zarb, who appeared via video link from HMP Edinburgh, showed no emotion and sat with his arms folded as he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years.
He was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and a 15-year non-harassment order was imposed.
