Man who raped teenage girl and woman and sexually assaulted another jailed for six years

A rapist who preyed on three vulnerable young women has been jailed for six years.

Darren Dennett, 22, targeted victims who were strangers or who he barely knew.

The first was a woman who had initially been in the company of her boyfriend in April 2020.

Dennett eventually ended up alone with her at a property in Polmont in Stirlingshire.

He went on to rape her despite her loud protests for him to stop.

Dennett then sexually assaulted the second victim who he had only known for around a week in May 2020 in Falkirk, also Stirlingshire.

He only stopped attacking her when someone knocked at the door.

Dennett finally raped a 15-year-old girl at a house in Falkirk in October 2022.

She had absconded from a care facility that she had been in.

Dennett forced himself on the teenager after he had repeatedly pestered her for sex.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday.

Dennett had earlier been convicted of the three charges following a trial in Edinburgh.

Lord Harrower told Dennett that the crimes all bore “striking similarities”.

The judge stated the 15-year-old rape victim had penned an emotional statement describing the “psychological impact” the attack has had on her.

Lord Harrower added he had “no doubt” the other two young women were similarly affected.

He further said the sentence would have to be less – given his age – than it would have been for an older person.

Dennett was also put on the sex offenders list for an indefinite period.

Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: “Dennett now faces the consequences of his actions and will be monitored for life.

“I commend the strength shown by the women in reporting his offending and throughout the court process. I hope the outcome brings them justice as they continue to move forward with their lives.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible before the courts. If you’ve been a victim of such offences, please come forward and report it, regardless of when it happened. You will be fully supported by our specially trained officers and partner agencies throughout.”