PETER MILLER OF SCONE SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND STALKING IN PERTHSHIRE

A man from Scone, Perthshire, identified as Peter Miller, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of heinous crimes involving the invasion of two women’s homes and sexual assault. The High Court in Perth heard detailed accounts of Miller’s disturbing actions, which spanned over several years and involved multiple violations of personal safety and privacy.

According to court records, Miller, aged 44 and residing on Mayfield Terrace in Scone, committed his first assault in 2006. During this period, he unlawfully entered the residence of a woman in Scone, where he proceeded to climb into her bed and commit a sexual assault. The jury also convicted him of a similar attack on a second woman in the nearby village of Stormontfield, which took place between February 25 and March 13, 2011. In both instances, Miller entered the victims’ homes without permission, entered their bedrooms, and raped them while they were in their own beds.

The court was informed that Miller’s criminal behavior extended beyond these assaults. He was also charged with stalking one of the victims through social media, specifically Facebook, where he repeatedly sent messages and made phone calls that caused her fear and alarm. Additionally, allegations included that he watched her residence and followed her in person. However, these stalking and harassment charges were ultimately dropped by the Crown, leaving the focus on the two sexual assault cases.

During the sentencing hearing, Lord Bracadale addressed Miller directly, stating, “The jury found you guilty of raping two women. You have no relevant previous convictions and a reasonable work record.” He emphasized that, considering the gravity of the offenses, Miller would be sentenced to a total of seven years’ imprisonment. The judge also noted that Miller was placed on the sex offenders register following his conviction.

Defense counsel Ronnie Renucci acknowledged Miller’s claims of innocence but accepted the jury’s verdict. Renucci remarked, “Although he still maintains his innocence, he accepts the jury has convicted him of these charges.” He highlighted that Miller, a mature man who had been a consistent contributor to society through full-time employment, had only one minor previous conviction and that this was his first time in custody. Renucci also pointed out that Miller’s attacks came to light after the two women, who lived a few miles apart, began communicating via Facebook, which eventually led to the investigation.

In conclusion, the court’s ruling reflects the severity of Miller’s actions and the impact on his victims. The seven-year sentence underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats such violations of personal safety and trust, especially when committed in the victims’ own homes in Scone and Stormontfield, Perthshire.