DANIEL JAQUES FROM DUNDEE SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE IN TAYPORT AND DUNDEE
Daniel Jaques/ Joe Rider.A woman from Dundee, who inadvertently left her front door unlocked after celebrating her birthday, was shocked to discover a man in her bed when she awoke.
The incident took place in her home in Tayport, where she had returned after a night out with friends.
Daniel Jaques, aged 20, was sentenced to 40 months in prison after admitting to charges of attempted rape.
During the court proceedings, he described his actions as 'an inexplicable moment of madness' and expressed deep regret for what he had done.
His defense lawyer, advocate Lain Paterson, emphasized this remorse during the sentencing.
However, the sentencing judge, Lord Uist, was unequivocal in his condemnation.
He stated, 'This was a calculated sexual attack on a woman as she lay in her own bed, and it has had profound psychological consequences for her.' The judge further added, 'Moreover, if she had not woken and pushed you off, you would undoubtedly have raped her.' The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the woman, a mother from Dundee, had been celebrating her birthday with friends.
After the festivities, she was taken back to her home in Tayport, where she was found lying on her bed, seemingly unconscious or very drowsy.
Prosecutor Peter McCormack explained that the woman had left her key in the front door, which was not fully secured.
Although she had engaged a bolt from inside, the court was told that a key from outside could still open the door.
It was revealed that Jaques, who was staying at Lundin Crescent in Tayport at the time, had gone to her house with the intention of seeking sex after seeing her at a pub earlier that evening.
He admitted to police that he had rung her doorbell but received no answer, leading to what he described as 'a blank moment' and an impulsive decision to go inside.
The court heard that the woman awoke to find Jaques in her bedroom.
She shouted at him and pushed him away.
He then quickly got off the bed, dressed, and fled the scene.
Later, she sent a text message to a friend saying, 'OMG I need to speak to you ASAP,' before falling asleep again.
The following morning, she was hesitant to contact the police.
However, when she discovered a condom wrapper and her pants on the bedroom floor, she decided to report the incident.
The court also learned that the woman had been out celebrating her birthday with a couple of friends, while her son stayed with her parents.
During the evening, she consumed lager and a shot of whisky.
She and her friends met Jaques at a pub, where he knew one of her friends.
They played pool together, but there was no indication of flirtation.
Jaques later contacted one of the woman's friends, asking, 'Where's the two lassies you were with?' It was confirmed that the mother had been taken home and was sleeping at the time.
Advocate Paterson noted that background reports indicated Jaques posed a moderate risk of re-offending.
He expressed that Jaques was willing to participate in courses that might help him.
After serving his sentence, Jaques expressed his desire to marry his girlfriend, who was present during the court proceedings.
