ANDRE MORGAN SENTENCED IN ABERDEEN FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN MORAY AND ELGIN

Andre Morgan, a serviceman previously stationed at Kinloss as part of the 39 Engineers Regiment, has been convicted and sentenced for committing two separate sexual assault offenses in the Moray region of Scotland. The 34-year-old was found guilty of raping two women during different incidents that took place within a few months of each other. The first assault occurred at an address in Rothes in March 2022, while the second took place at a residence in Elgin in July 2022.

These disturbing cases came to light during a trial held at the High Court in Glasgow in August. The victims, who endured significant psychological trauma, provided detailed impact statements that underscored the profound and lasting effects of Morgan’s actions. One of the victims expressed her relief at seeing Morgan imprisoned, emphasizing that her life had been 'ruined' by his conduct.

During the court proceedings, Morgan’s defense team attempted to contextualize his background, highlighting his difficult childhood in Jamaica and his subsequent rise through the ranks to become a corporal in the British Army. They also pointed out his part-time employment with Network Rail. Despite these efforts, the sentencing sheriff was critical of Morgan’s attitude, describing him as displaying arrogance and a sense of entitlement. The sheriff, Graham Buchanan, emphasized that Morgan posed a 'significant risk' to women, citing his lack of remorse and tendency to blame the victims for their suffering.

In his detailed judgment, Sheriff Buchanan noted that Morgan’s offenses were committed just over two months apart, and he took advantage of a vulnerable victim who was intoxicated at the time. The court observed that Morgan’s behavior demonstrated a troubling pattern of exploitation and disregard for the victims’ well-being. The sheriff also pointed out that Morgan showed no remorse for his actions, further aggravating his culpability.

The court ultimately sentenced Morgan to an extended prison term. While initially proposing an 11-year sentence to be served consecutively, the sheriff decided on a total of 10 years, with eight years to be served in custody and two years on license in the community, applying the totality principle. Additionally, Morgan was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was instructed not to contact his victims under any circumstances. The case also involved the Ministry of Defence, which was invited to comment on the proceedings, reflecting the military background of the offender and the broader implications of the case.