Teenager who raped vulnerable underage girl detained for three years

A teenage sex offender who raped an underage girl has been sentenced to three years detention.

Dylan Barclay was aged 18 when he committed the sex crime against the intoxicated 14-year-old victim at an address in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

Barclay, now 20, molested the girl and carried out sex acts on her when she was feeling the effects of drink and cannabis.

A judge told Barclay at the High Court in Edinburgh that she was satisfied that no other sentence than one involving custody was appropriate in the circumstances.

Lady Carmichael said the period in custody would be much shorter than for an adult committing the same offence.

She ordered that Barclay should be under supervision for a further four years in the community when he will be on licence.

Barclay, formerly of Auchtermuchty, Fife, had earlier denied committing the rape on November 12 and 13 in 2023 but was convicted by a jury after a trial.

Defence counsel Angela Gray KC told the court: “He has expressed remorse for his actions and he does acknowledge the impact of his offence on the victim.”

She said Barclay was still a young man with the ability “to change his ways” and was motivated to be a good parent to his infant son.

The defence counsel said it was accepted that a jail sentence was inevitable and told the judge: “Ironically, the sentence Your Ladyship will impose will be the longest period of stability in this young man’s life.”

Lady Carmichael made a non harassment order prohibiting Barclay from contacting or attempting to contact the victim for an indefinite period.

Barclay was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely following the sentencing.