CRAIG STRACHAN OF EDINBURGH SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND PUBLICLY DISCUSSES FORGIVENESS
In an interview on the YouTube channel 'I'mPossible Conversation', Craig Strachan, who brands himself as a 'forgiveness life coach', spoke openly about his personal development journey.Originally from Edinburgh, Strachan revealed that he had raped a girl while she was asleep when he was 21.
During the interview, host Sukhee M asked him: "You mentioned about 'forgiving yourself for your past'.
How can people use forgiveness to improve their lives?" Strachan, also known as 'Craig Saint', who is a DJ and event organiser, responded: "Admit what you've done and just ask the universe.
For me, it was forgiving myself.
When I had my spiritual awakening last year, it was so, so scary.
I was reminded of something that happened when I was 21.
I was high and totally messed up when I raped a girl." He explained: "I had sex with her while she was sleeping.
It lasted about 10 seconds — she was in my bed.
As soon as it happened, I instinctively knew I shouldn't have done that." He further recounted feeling haunted by this incident, especially after discovering a spiritual connection with the universe in 2019: "When I had my awakening, I kept getting horrible feelings because I was gaining recognition in Edinburgh.
My nights became very popular, but I felt a shadow behind me, reminding me 'remember what you did — you can't forget this'." Strachan admitted to battling internal turmoil and contemplating suicide, describing his distress as overwhelming: "It was eating me inside.
I was dying inside, feeling so, so bad.
I was trying to mask my feelings with a happy personality, but I was honestly dying.
It was really, really hard." After relocating to Ibiza, he dated another girl who, he claimed, had also been raped.
Strachan expressed remorse: "I felt so guilty.
I kept feeling feelings of guilt and shame for months afterward.
I really hope the girl forgives me one day." He also shared his hope for eventual forgiveness: "I really hope the girl forgives me one day...
I was comparing myself to bad people when I made a horrific mistake." When asked if he had forgiven himself, Strachan, now living in Barcelona, replied: "I think, right now, I have.
I really do.
This very second, I’ve been getting signs from the universe telling me to share my story." He explained his belief in the 'law of attraction', stating: "Positive or negative thoughts attract similar experiences into our lives." Despite his openness, some expressed concern.
One individual told The Scottish Sun: "What's concerning is that many people know about this, and he is still working in bars and nightclubs, and no one seems to care or be bothered." In response, Strachan said: "I don’t believe anyone should carry their mistakes for a lifetime if they’ve done everything possible to make amends.
I admitted to my actions and contacted the girl and her family to apologise—something I sincerely hope they accept.
This is why I created The Forgiveness Movement—to help others who are afraid to speak about their wrongdoings and guide them on seeking forgiveness and forgiving themselves.
I believe society needs more love, compassion, and understanding rather than judgment and condemnation.
We all make mistakes; forgiveness should be the path forward." His YouTube biography describes him as an international DJ, producer, and event promoter from Glasgow dedicated to spreading joy through music and inspiring others.
It notes his shift during the pandemic towards personal development and spiritual awakening, alongside his ongoing work in music production and coaching on creating 'Groovy Tech House'.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: "We are aware of the video, and enquiries are ongoing." **Sentencing Details:** At Stirling High Court, Judge Tait sentenced Craig Strachan to six years in prison after his conviction for rape, backdated to April 2, 2024, the date of his remand.
Strachan will also be subject to indefinite sexual offences notification requirements and a 20-year non-harassment order preventing him from contacting or attempting to contact the victim.
In court, Judge Tait remarked: "Craig Strachan, on 2 July 2024 at Livingston High Court, you were convicted after trial of one charge of rape in 2013.
You are 33 years old.
Your previous convictions are limited and non-sexual.
I note your youth at the time of the offence." He continued: "The risk assessment considers you a medium risk of reoffending.
The impact on the victim has been substantial, and she is to be commended for her courage in giving evidence amid publicity.
Given the severity of the offence, a custodial sentence is appropriate." He concluded: "You will serve six years’ imprisonment, and you will be subject to notification requirements for life, with a non-harassment order in place for 20 years."
