BRADLEY ISHERWOOD AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN EDINBURGH AND MUSSELBURGH
A man named Bradley Isherwood has been sentenced to a decade in prison after being convicted of raping three women, including a 14-year-old girl, in locations across Edinburgh and Musselburgh, East Lothian.The severity of his crimes and the disturbing details revealed during the trial have shocked the local community and prompted a stern judicial response.
The victim, now 24 years old, provided harrowing testimony in the High Court in Edinburgh, recounting a series of sexual assaults that took place over a span of five years, from 2016 to 2021.
She described how her ordeal involved multiple instances of rape and assault, with one particularly distressing incident involving another man encouraging Isherwood during the attack.
She explained that during this assault, a man played the song "Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon on his phone while Isherwood was abusing her.
The woman recounted her feelings of helplessness, stating, "I said no.
I am tired.
It became clear that he wasn't going to take no for an answer so I just kind of lay there and took it." She also described the presence of an accomplice, who was reportedly clapping and urging Isherwood on, further emphasizing the disturbing nature of the assault.
She identified the phone used as an iPhone.
In addition to this, the woman detailed a terrifying incident where Isherwood pinned her to the bed by her throat.
She explained, "There was quite a lot of pressure.
I couldn't speak.
I genuinely thought he was going to choke me.
I tried but I couldn't get his hand free from my throat." She further revealed that during this attack, Isherwood threatened to kill her, underscoring the violent and controlling behavior he exhibited.
The court heard that Isherwood's attitude towards his victims was one of entitlement, with the victim describing how he believed he had the right to force sex upon her despite her clear refusals.
The evidence painted a picture of a man who repeatedly used violence and coercion to dominate his victims.
Judge Lord Tyre, presiding over the case, sentenced Isherwood to an extended prison term of 13 years, with a custodial period of 10 years.
The judge also ordered that Isherwood be supervised by authorities for three years following his release and placed him on the sex offenders register for life.
Isherwood had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty after a trial.
In his sentencing statement, Lord Tyre detailed the gravity of Isherwood's actions, noting that he was convicted of ten charges, including rape and sexual assault against two women and a 14-year-old girl.
The judge highlighted the disturbing pattern of violent and controlling behavior, which included frequent sexual violence and coercion.
He emphasized that although the charges were considered separately for legal reasons, they collectively represented a single course of conduct characterized by abuse of power and control.
The social worker’s report described Isherwood as holding his partners responsible for managing his emotions and meeting his needs, which often led to abusive behavior when they failed to do so.
The judge condemned these attitudes as wholly unacceptable and recognized the significant risk Isherwood poses to women.
Given Isherwood’s previous criminal record, which includes violent offenses and numerous breaches of community orders, the court considered imposing a lifelong restriction order.
However, after careful consideration, the judge decided that an extended sentence was sufficient to protect the public, especially considering Isherwood’s age and potential for rehabilitation.
The sentence imposed is a combination of a custodial period and an extension period.
The custodial part, set at 10 years, reflects the seriousness of the offenses and is guided by sentencing principles for young offenders, as Isherwood was between 18 and 24 at the time of the crimes.
The extension period of three years will see him released on license under strict conditions, with the possibility of recall to prison if he breaches these conditions or commits further offenses.
The total sentence, backdated to November 3, 2021, when Isherwood was remanded in custody, totals 13 years.
Additionally, he will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.
Judge Lord Tyre concluded by acknowledging the difficulty in admitting guilt for such serious offenses but emphasized the importance of rehabilitation.
He expressed hope that Isherwood would undertake the necessary courses in prison, including opportunities for further education, to turn his life around and prevent future harm to women he encounters.
