ANDREW BRANNAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN METHIL AND BUCFHAN

A man identified as Andrew Brannan has been sentenced to a seven-year prison term following his convictions for serious sexual offenses involving two young women in Fife. The incidents date back over a period of several years, with the first occurring in 2003 and the second in 2007, both involving vulnerable victims.

The first assault took place in 2003 when Brannan, then 41 years old, targeted a 16-year-old girl after she had been drinking. The incident occurred at a residence in Buckhaven, Fife. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that after the assault, Brannan falsely claimed to the teenager's mother that he was helping to sober her up. Nonetheless, he proceeded to sexually assault her, an act that left lasting trauma for the victim.

Four years later, in 2007, Brannan committed a second sexually violent act, this time in Methil, Fife. His victim in this case was a 21-year-old woman who was asleep at a house in Methil when she was attacked. The court records indicated that Brannan raped her while she was unconscious, further compounding the gravity of his offences.

During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Braid addressed Brannan directly, noting that the defendant had acknowledged his wrongdoing the morning after the second incident. The judge remarked on the aggravating circumstances of the case, highlighting that Brannan’s assertion to the second victim that there was no point in reporting the crime because she would not be believed added to the severity of his conduct. Such comments reinforced the court's serious view of his actions.

Throughout the proceedings, Brannan maintained his innocence, denying both the accusations of raping the teenager in 2003 and assaulting and raping the second woman in 2007. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of both offences. The court was informed that Brannan had previously denied the charges and had a history of maintaining his innocence, with his defence advocating that he was entitled to do so.

Legal representatives pointed out that Brannan, a father of three, was assessed as posing a low risk of reoffending. Prior to sentencing, he was held in custody, although he had not previously served time in prison. Nevertheless, Lord Braid confirmed that post-sentencing, Brannan would be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes.

Detective Constable Kenny Watt, involved in the case, praised the bravery of the women who came forward to testify against Brannan. Watt commented on their courage, acknowledging the difficulty of going through police procedures and court appearances. He expressed hope that their actions would empower other victims to report their experiences and seek justice.

In conclusion, the conviction and sentencing serve as a reminder of the judicial system’s commitment to holding offenders accountable for sexual crimes, regardless of the passage of time or their denials, and underscore the importance of supporting victims throughout the process.