STEPHEN WATSON FROM ARMADALE AND PENICUIK SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the communities of Armadale and Penicuik, a 22-year-old soldier named Stephen Watson has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for the heinous crime of raping a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place in February 2014 and has left a lasting impact on the victim and the local community alike.

According to court reports, Watson had been socializing in various pubs around Armadale, West Lothian, prior to the assault. After a night of drinking, he returned to a residence where the young girl was sleeping. It was at this point that Watson entered her bedroom and, without her consent, got into bed beside her. He proceeded to engage in sexual activity with her, instructing her not to tell anyone about what had happened. The court heard that Watson's actions were deliberate and predatory.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Watson, who was then based at Glencorse Barracks in Midlothian, initially denied any wrongdoing when questioned by police. However, forensic evidence proved otherwise. DNA samples collected from the victim matched Watson’s, leading to his admission of assault and rape on February 21 of the previous year.

During the sentencing, Lord Burns emphasized the devastating effect the crime had on the young girl. The judge pointed out that Watson had returned to the girl’s home intentionally, despite her clear protests and attempts to wriggle away. The court noted that the girl had made it explicitly known she did not want him there, yet Watson disregarded her wishes. The judge also highlighted that Watson was under the influence of alcohol at the time, but stated that this did not mitigate his actions in any way.

Furthermore, Lord Burns described the girl as a vulnerable young victim and expressed concern over Watson’s high risk of reoffending, as assessed in a background report. Although he would have faced a potential seven-year sentence, Watson’s guilty plea resulted in a reduced term. The court also ordered that Watson be placed under supervision for an additional two years following his release from prison. In addition to his imprisonment, Watson was ordered to register as a sex offender.

Defense lawyer Michael Anderson acknowledged that Watson was heavily intoxicated during the incident and claimed that he could not remember the events clearly. He also stated that Watson recognized the severity of his actions and the impact they could have on the victim. The court was told that Watson’s military career was effectively over, with the judge confirming that his service would likely end as a result of this conviction.

Overall, the case has brought to light serious concerns about the safety of young girls and the importance of justice in cases of sexual assault. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing incident, and the legal proceedings serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such criminal behavior.