KELSO MAN BEN PURCELL CHARGED WITH THE VIOLENT RAPE OF ANOTHER VULNERABLE YOUNG WOMAN
A man from Berwickshire has made an appearance at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to face multiple charges of sexual offenses, including rape.Ben Purcell, aged 24 and residing at Horse Market in Kelso, faces allegations under sections one, two, and three of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.
These charges pertain to accusations of rape, sexual assault involving penetration, and other sexual assault offenses.
The court heard that this is the second time Purcell has been charged with rape, after relocating from Newcastle to Kelso after allegedly raping a first woman.
The charges allege that Purcell subjected a 19-year-old woman to a violent rape at an address in Kelso on August 9, 2025.
The victim is described as being highly vulnerable during the incident, having been violently vomiting and experiencing a temporary loss of consciousness after consuming a substantial amount of alcohol earlier that evening.
After the assault, the woman fled the scene only in a towel, and she flagged down a passing taxi which subsequently called the police.
During the hearing, Purcell did not enter a plea.
The case was adjourned for further investigation, and he was granted bail by Sheriff Kevin McCarron.
