RYAN HUSH SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN DUNDEE: HIGH COURT JUDGMENT IN EDINBURGH

A man named Ryan Hush, aged 23, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of raping a woman in Dundee. The incident occurred after a night out where Hush had been watching football and drinking alcohol with friends. He met the victim for the first time that evening, and they, along with her flatmate and her flatmate’s partner, went back to her flat in Dundee.

Initially, the sexual encounter between Hush and the woman was consensual. However, as time progressed, the woman expressed her desire for the activity to cease, withdrawing her consent. Despite her clear indication that she wanted to stop, Hush continued to have sex with her, disregarding her wishes. This act was later deemed to be rape by the court, as Hush persisted in engaging in sexual activity after the victim had made her discomfort known.

During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Poole emphasized the gravity of the offense. She stated, "The jury found you carried on and had sex with her anyway. That was rape." She acknowledged that Hush had consumed alcohol prior to the incident, which likely impaired his judgment, but she made it clear that intoxication was no excuse for his actions. The judge highlighted that Hush had sought to satisfy his own sexual needs without regard for the victim’s well-being, and that the assault took place within the safety of her own home, a place where she should have been protected.

Hush, who was in custody in Perth at the time of sentencing, had denied the charge of rape, which related to an incident on June 2 of the previous year. However, after a trial held in November, the jury found him guilty. The court sentenced him to four years of imprisonment, with the sentence being backdated to November 4, 2022.

Lady Poole remarked that the impact of the rape on the victim had been extensive, affecting her life significantly. She also noted that Hush, at the time of the offense, was 21 years old, and his judgment was considered poor, with his immaturity playing a role in his actions. The court took into account new sentencing guidelines introduced in Scotland in January 2022 for offenders under 25, which promote a more rehabilitative approach.

In her remarks, Lady Poole acknowledged Hush’s work history, supportive family, limited previous offending, and his partial insight into his behavior. She pointed out that he had shown some desire to change and had ongoing employment prospects, including a job offer from his uncle upon release. The court also considered the character references provided on his behalf, which highlighted his good work ethic and family support.

Despite these mitigating factors, the seriousness of the crime necessitated a custodial sentence. Hush was also ordered to register on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. The judge emphasized that, given the nature of the offense, imprisonment was the only appropriate course of action, but the sentence was shorter than it might have been for an older offender due to his age and potential for rehabilitation.