LOCHGELLY SEX OFFENDER THOMAS EARLY RELEASED EARLY AND RAPED 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO DIED
Thomas Early, a 49-year-old man from Lochgelly, found himself at the center of a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community and raised serious questions about the justice system in Scotland.Just eleven days after being released early from prison, Early committed a heinous crime by raping a 14-year-old girl, a victim who would sadly pass away as a result of her injuries.
Early’s criminal history is extensive, with an eight-page record of previous offenses.
Despite this, he was granted early release from his sentence at Barlinnie prison in Glasgow, a decision that has come under heavy criticism from politicians and community members alike.
The circumstances surrounding his release have sparked outrage, especially given the subsequent assault that occurred shortly thereafter.
In October 2018, Early was convicted at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for a violent attack on his partner in Lochgelly, Fife.
During that incident, he called her a “cow,” shouted and swore at her, smashed a window, and struck her with a can of juice while she was holding their young daughter.
This violent episode was part of a pattern of aggressive behavior that marked his criminal record.
Despite this, Early was released from prison on May 17 of the previous year.
Less than two weeks later, on the night of May 28 at around 3 a.m., he entered his victim’s brother’s flat and committed the unthinkable act of rape.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that Early forced the terrified girl to undress, then overpowered her while she desperately begged him to stop.
The girl, who had been wary of Early due to his history of violence, was subjected to this brutal assault in her own home.
Tragically, the girl’s ordeal did not end with the assault.
She was taken to hospital but succumbed to her injuries just six weeks later, passing away on July 8, 2019, shortly after her 15th birthday.
Prosecutor Paul Kearney described her death as a devastating consequence of the attack, emphasizing the young girl’s vulnerability and the horror of her final days.
Early’s actions drew widespread condemnation.
He admitted to the charges of rape and was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison.
During the sentencing, Judge Lady Stacey described his conduct as “disgraceful,” highlighting that the victim was only 14 years old and had pleaded with him to stop during the assault.
A relative of the victim expressed their anguish and anger, stating, “He’s a disgusting beast.
I hope he rots in jail.
We miss her so much.” The case has ignited debate about the adequacy of the justice system’s handling of offenders with violent histories and the risks posed by early releases, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims from communities like Lochgelly.
