ANDREW EWEN FROM ROTHES SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN DUFFTOWN AND ABERDEEN

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Rothes and Dufftown, a teenage male was convicted and sentenced for a serious sexual assault that took place in July 2009. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Andrew Ewen, who was only 15 years old at the time, committed two heinous acts of sexual violence against a 16-year-old girl he had just met.

According to court records, the incident occurred on July 25, 2009, in a grassy area within Dufftown. Ewen approached the young woman and, without warning, engaged in a brutal assault. He forcibly pushed her to the ground, pulled down her shorts, tights, and underwear, and proceeded to rape her twice during the attack. In addition to the rapes, Ewen also coerced her into performing a sexual act, further compounding the severity of his crimes.

Throughout the trial, Ewen maintained that the sexual acts were consensual, denying the allegations of rape. However, the jury found him guilty of the serious sexual offenses after considering the evidence presented. The victim’s testimony clearly indicated that she had made it known she did not wish to engage in sexual activity, but Ewen disregarded her wishes and showed a blatant lack of respect for her autonomy and well-being.

During sentencing, Lord Pentland emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “You must understand that the jury convicted you of a very serious offence involving the repeated rape of a young woman whom you had met for the first time on the day of the crime.” The judge highlighted the victim’s clear communication of her unwillingness to have sex, which Ewen ignored, demonstrating a disturbing disregard for her feelings and rights.

Lord Pentland also expressed concern over Ewen’s apparent limited understanding of the harm caused by his actions. His address was listed as High Street, Rothes, and the court noted his immaturity as a factor, but underscored that society’s moral standards demand accountability for such grave offenses. The court’s decision reflected a strong stance against sexual violence, and Ewen was sentenced to five years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register, marking a significant legal consequence for his actions and serving as a reminder of the community’s condemnation of such crimes.