MORAY MAN ADMITS ATTEMPTED RAPE OF BACKPACKER IN GLASGOW
A 50-year-old man from Moray named Bruce Reid has pleaded guilty to attempting to rape a female Australian backpacker after befriending her and encouraging her to visit local sights including Culloden.Reid, who resides in Seatown, Cullen, admitted to the attempted rape at the High Court in Glasgow.
The incident occurred on August 8 last year near the A862, between Kinlochewe and Torridon, close to Liathach.
The victim, aged 25 and travelling across Europe, was waiting for a bus to Craig Dunain when Reid stopped his grey Audi and offered to take her sightseeing.
She agreed to visit the standing stone on the hillside and Culloden battlefield.
They then pitched a tent to camp, during which she called her boyfriend in Australia around 11:20 pm.
Reid then attempted to cuddle her, but she firmly rejected his advances, saying, 'No cuddles.
It’s inappropriate mate, get off me.' The prosecutor, Lindsey Dalziel, described how Reid became more persistent, with the woman having to physically push him away, and how he then grabbed her, leading her to struggle and fear for her life.
She attempted to defend herself by reaching for a multi-tool to stab Reid, but he bit her arm during the struggle.
The woman managed to grab her boots, hoodie, and phone, and fled to the road, where she called emergency services and remained on the line with the operator for an hour until police arrived.
She hid in nearby bushes while waiting, and when they located her, she was visibly distressed, injured, and crying.
She had blood on her jumper and injuries to her hands, consistent with fighting off Reid with her multi-tool.
Reid sustained injuries to his left arm, forearm, and hand.
The victim, who has since returned to Australia, reports feeling disassociated from her life, struggling with work, and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The court, presided over by Lady Stacey, ordered Reid to be remanded in custody and postponed sentencing to the following month.
His defense lawyer, Shahid Latif, will present a mitigation plea at that time.
