DARREN APPLEBY SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL AND VIOLENT OFFENCES IN DUNFERMLINE
A man identified as Darren Appleby has been handed down an eight-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual and violent crimes.The 56-year-old was found guilty of charges including rape and assault during a trial held at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 24 May.
Following the verdict, the sentencing took place at the same court on Tuesday, 4 July 2023.
The series of offences committed by Appleby span over several years and involve different victims, beginning with an incident in Dunfermline, Fife, in 2006.
During this initial attack, Appleby targeted a woman who was walking to a friend's house.
He forcibly dragged her to the ground and subjected her to molestation after pulling and tearing her underwear, leaving her traumatized.
Two years later, in 2008, Appleby’s criminal activity escalated when he sexually assaulted a babysitter.
The assault continued into 2009, with Appleby raping her at various locations, including private residences and inside a locked car in Fife.
The victim, now 32 years old, testified during the trial, recounting her harrowing experience.
She described how, before the assault, Appleby told her, “I want you.
You know exactly why I am here,” displaying an arrogant and cocky demeanor.
She further explained that he declared his intention to go “the whole way,” despite her protests.
The woman emphasized her feelings of helplessness, stating, “I kept saying ‘please don’t, leave me alone.
I don’t want this,’” and added that she was frozen during the assault, unable to stop him despite her pleas.
Appleby faced five charges in total, including two counts of rape, two of indecent assault, and one of assault with intent to rape.
The jury found him guilty on all counts, confirming the severity of his crimes.
Detective Sergeant Chris McGlinchey, from Fife CID, commented on the case, expressing his disapproval of Appleby’s blatant disregard for the suffering caused to his victims.
He praised the victims for their bravery in reporting the crimes and for their resilience in testifying in court.
Sergeant McGlinchey also highlighted the importance of justice, stating, “I hope this sentence provides some measure of comfort to the victims as they work to move forward.” He reaffirmed Police Scotland’s commitment to thoroughly investigating all reports of sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed, emphasizing that justice will be pursued relentlessly.
