Man violently raped woman after kicking way into home through glass door

A man who subjected a 61-year-old woman to a harrowing rape ordeal after kicking his way into her home through a French door has been jailed for ten years.

The victim was home alone and watching television when she heard a banging sound on January 9, 2023.

She went to investigate and found Bradley Shand kicking and smashing a door at the Edinburgh property.

After forcing his way inside, the attacker took her mobile phone to prevent her from calling the police.

Bradley Shand captured on CCTV before sexually assaulting woman in her own home. COPFS

Shand threw the victim around like a “rag doll” during the attack.

The 23-year-old then raped her, leaving her injured and extremely distressed.

Shand fled but came to the attention of a police officer on a nearby road a short time later. He was seen waving frantically with blood on his hand and wrist.

Clothing and DNA belonging to the attacker were discovered at the scene of the rape, linking Shand to the crime.

Shand was freed under three bail orders at the time of the crimes. During the trial he denied raping the woman.

Judge Lord Summers said it was “a particularly egregious offence” and added: “It is difficult to imagine what she must have gone through.”

The judge said he read a victim impact statement and it was clear that the Shand’s crime has had a “devastating effect” on the woman.

After the brutal assault, the victim went to a neighbour’s home with blood on her face and dressing gown. The neighbour said: “She was obviously upset, shaken, questioning herself: ‘What did I do?'”.

The victim said: “He was throwing me about like a rag doll. I don’t feel safe any more. I sit downstairs and it brings back all the memories.”

After the rape, Shand went to a different home where he threw a stone and garden ornament and smashed a window. He admitted attempting to rob them of a set of keys and a car.

On Tuesday, Shand was given an extended 12-year sentence with ten-years in prison.

The court heard that Shand was intoxicated at the time of the crimes after drinking and maintained that he has no memory of events.

Defence counsel Victoria Dow said: “He has indicated shame and embarrassment in relation to his conduct.”

Advocate depute Chris McKenna said the Crown moved that a non-harassment order should be imposed on Shand following the rape offence and said the victim was “fearful” of him.

Lord Summers made such an order prohibiting Shand from contacting or attempting to contact the woman for 15 years. Shand, a prisoner, was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Katrina Parkes, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Bradley Shand is a sexual predator, who preyed on this victim in her own home.

“She should have been completely safe but was instead subjected to a horrific ordeal by a violent stranger.

“This is a truly horrendous case, and my thoughts remain with the victim and her loved ones.

“I give thanks to all those involved in securing this prosecution, which has held Shand accountable while also protecting others from harm.

“I would urge any victim of sexual offending to come forward and report. You will be supported and listened to as we seek justice using all the tools available to us.”