Teenager, 15, raped girl at knifepoint in Prestwick play park and took intimate photos of victim

A teenager who claims he can’t remember raping a 16-year-old girl at knifepoint due to being ‘intoxicated’ on cannabis and alcohol has been detained in custody.

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, assaulted his victim at a play park in Prestwick on December 23, 2023.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how the girl didn’t know her attacker.

In the moments leading up to the assault, she had gone into a supermarket to buy dinner.

He held a knife to her neck before demanding her to remove her clothing. Judge Lady Poole heard how he then took intimate photographs of his victim before raping her.

Police managed to gather enough evidence to bring the boy to justice.

On Wednesday, the court heard of the impact that the attack has had the girl.

She is concerned about being in the presence of males and suffers from psychological and physical injuries.

Lady Poole addressed the victim who was present in court and made reference to a statement that she had submitted to the court detailing the abuse.

She said: “I have read your victim impact statement. It’s terrible that you have had to endure something like this.”

The judge then addressed the boy, who pleaded guilty to rape at proceedings last month, and told him he was going to jail for five years and three months.

Ordering him to be supervised by the authorities for three years following his release from custody, Lady Poole said: “It is clear that you caused her to suffer serious psychological and physical harm for which it will be difficult for her to ever recover from.

“She still lives in fear of males. She did not deserve to have this happen to her.

“The offence is so serious and of such a nature that custody is the only way of dealing with you.

“In total, the sentence, the sentence will be one of eight years and three months – this will consist of five years and three months, and there will be an extension period of three years.”

The court previously heard how the boy pounced on his victim two days before Christmas and threatened her with a knife if she didn’t comply with his demands.

The victim, who also cannot be identified for legal reasons, spoke of how the rapist threatened to slit her throat if she didn’t do what she was told.

Following the attack, the girl got away and returned to the nearby supermarket where she raised the alarm.

Detectives investigating the case managed to gather enough evidence to detain and charge him with rape.

Sentence on the boy had been deferred for the court to obtain a report

On Wednesday, defence advocate Lili Prais KC told the court that the report made for “difficult reading.”

It revealed that her client had been assessed as having a low “cognitive function” and had received a “sporadic” education along with a “chaotic and adverse” childhood.

She added: “He started drinking from a very young age.”

Ms Prais also agreed with Lady Poole when the judge observed that this didn’t provide an “excuse” for the boy’s offending behaviour.

Ms Prais also told the court: “She was a stranger to him. He cannot remember the event due to intoxication of alcohol and cannabis.

“He has taken responsibility for his actions. He has pleaded guilty. He is utterly ashamed.”

Lady Poole also placed the boy on the Sex Offenders Register and passed a lifelong non-harassment order which prevents the boy from ever contacting his victim.

In passing sentence, Lady Poole also addressed the boy’s parents, who were also present in court.

She told them: “You have an important part to play in his rehabilitation. He is in this court because he has done something that is terrible.

“However, it is important for you to play your part in helping him turn his life around.”