CHRISTOPHER NELSON FROM DUNDEE SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ATTACKS IN DUNDEE
In October 2013, a man named Christopher Nelson, aged 31, was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious crimes committed in Dundee.The High Court in Edinburgh heard harrowing details of his offenses, which included the rape of a teenage girl and assaults on three other women, all aged between 16 and 18.
Nelson's disturbing behavior was further highlighted by his own admission during the trial, where he told one of his victims that he enjoyed strangling people.
The court was informed that all the attacks took place at various addresses within Dundee, a city that bore witness to his violent actions.
Following his conviction in June for the rape of a 16-year-old girl in a flat located in Dundee’s Hilltown area, Nelson was found guilty of luring her through Facebook and then assaulting her after she was intoxicated with vodka.
During the assault, Nelson forcibly pushed her against a wall and grabbed her by the neck, restricting her breathing in a manner that caused significant fear and distress.
Another victim recounted a terrifying incident at a Travel Lodge situated on Dundee’s Riverside Drive.
The encounter turned violent when Nelson discovered that another man had sent her a text message.
In a fit of rage, Nelson tore her clothes off, causing her to flee the hotel room naked.
When she returned, Nelson, who had been hiding in a bath, suddenly emerged and attacked her again, this time placing his hands around her neck in a threatening manner.
Prior to sentencing, the court ordered a comprehensive background report on Nelson.
During the hearing, defense QC Mark Stewart argued that the report indicated Nelson understood his difficulties and was willing to participate in rehabilitative courses both during his imprisonment and after release.
However, Lady Scott, the presiding judge, expressed concern over the findings of a risk assessment report which highlighted the potential danger Nelson posed due to his pattern of attempting to strangle his victims.
Lady Scott emphasized that alcohol and substance misuse appeared to be significant factors in Nelson’s violent behavior.
Despite this, the report suggested that Nelson was capable of taking steps to address his issues and was willing to do so, including tackling his tendencies toward sexual violence.
The judge pointed out that Nelson’s aggression was often triggered by drinking, and although none of the victims sustained serious injuries, his conduct was described as a sustained and serious course of threats and sexual violence.
One of the victims, a 16-year-old girl, recounted how Nelson raped her with a disturbing smirk on his face at the time.
Nelson was convicted of eight charges in total, including the rape, threats likely to cause fear or alarm, and other assaults.
He was acquitted of one additional charge of rape.
The court sentenced Nelson to five years for the rape and an additional two years for the other attacks and threats, with a further four-year extension on his license following his release, as ordered by Lady Scott.
This case underscores the severity of Nelson’s crimes and the ongoing concerns about his potential risk to the public in Dundee.
