FORKLIFT DRIVER CONVICTED OF SERIOUS SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC ASSAULTS ON WOMEN
A forklift operator has been cautioned that imprisonment could be imminent after being convicted of multiple grave sexual and domestic offenses against women, in a trial held at Aberdeen High Court.Ryan Merson, aged 28, faced six counts of rape, three of sexual assault, and four counts of domestic abuse.
Throughout the three-week trial, evidence was presented showing Merson’s conduct towards six different women on various dates from 2019 to 2024.
Despite the jury acquitting him of all rape charges concerning three women, they found him guilty of two serious sexual assaults and three counts of domestic violence.
Judge Graham Buchanan told Merson that while he was unanimously cleared of rape charges, he was convicted of serious domestic abuse.
The judge highlighted a specific sexual assault where the victim was vulnerable and recovering from surgery in hospital, describing these crimes as “significant and quite serious.” The court was informed that Merson had abducted, assaulted, and strangled one woman at several locations in Aberdeen on July 23, 2023.
During this incident, he dragged her to the ground, sexually assaulted her by grabbing her breasts, and forced her hand onto his private parts.
He was also convicted of assaulting another woman at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary while she was recovering from surgery, touching her private parts and forcing her hands onto his body.
One victim recounted former feelings of being in a relationship with Merson and experiencing “love bombing” at the start.
She detailed how he called her repeatedly while she was out with a friend, which her friend found astonishing.
She described Merson as possessive and controlling, recounting an episode when he strangled her.
Photographs of damaged doors and a broken bedside lamp were shown in court, which she linked to altercations with Merson.
In her testimony, she recounted being dragged back into her flat and described multiple instances of physical violence, including being strangled and having her hair pulled, with text messages from Merson illustrating ongoing aggression.
Merson admitted during evidence that he had told one woman not to wear revealing clothing, specifying that he mentioned it if he felt uncomfortable about her attire.
He also discussed a controlling relationship, explaining that arguments often led to him reacting physically, resulting in damage to property such as a wardrobe door, a mirror, and a lamp, due to his temper.
It was established that Merson engaged in abusive behaviour towards a third woman between late 2019 and mid-2020, involving controlling her clothing, restricting her communication, and preventing her from speaking to other men.
Similarly, between late July and mid-October 2024, he was found to have mistreated a fourth woman by accusing her of cheating, pressuring her into sexual acts, and threatening self-harm.
After the verdict, Lord Stewart acknowledged Merson’s struggles with mental health issues.
He remarked that Merson was a valued member of society and had attained a trusted position within his current employer.
