DENE STEVENSON SENTENCED TO 6 YEARS FOR RAPE OF 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LIVINGSTON

In a high-profile case heard at the High Court in Edinburgh, Dene Stevenson was sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of a heinous crime involving a 14-year-old girl in Livingston. The court proceedings revealed the disturbing details of the incident that took place on 20 October 2017, in a muddy woodland area within Livingston.

The judge, Lord Uist, outlined the severity of Stevenson's actions during the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of the offence. The jury had convicted Stevenson of sexually assaulting a drunken 14-year-old girl. The court detailed the series of disturbing acts that Stevenson committed, including supplying the girl with alcohol, lying on her, and forcibly lowering her clothing. According to the court, Stevenson pulled her legs apart and attempted to lick her vagina, then repeatedly tried to penetrate her with his penis. He also forced her head towards his genital area, restrained her movements, and eventually achieved vaginal penetration.

Following the assault, the victim contacted a friend in a distressed condition, expressing that she had been raped by Stevenson. Witnesses also observed her in a distressed and disheveled state shortly after the incident. Further, Stevenson later admitted to her father that he had engaged in intercourse with her, adding to the troubling nature of the case.

The court expressed particular concern about the circumstances surrounding the crime. It was noted that Stevenson, who was 18 at the time of the assault and is now 21, went out that day while intoxicated. He befriended a group of much younger girls before ultimately walking into the woods with his young victim. The fact that he targeted a vulnerable, intoxicated 14-year-old in a public place added to the case's seriousness.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Uist acknowledged Stevenson's criminal history, which was minimal—only one minor previous conviction—though he chose not to weigh this heavily. The court also considered a criminal justice social work report and mitigation submitted on his behalf. Stevenson has struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, and at the time of sentencing, he had not been employed for over a year.

The judge emphasized that rape is a serious crime requiring significant punishment, especially given the calculated and predatory nature of Stevenson's assault on a defenseless girl. Given these factors, Lord Uist sentenced Stevenson to six years imprisonment, effective from 23 October 2020. Additionally, as a consequence of his conviction, Stevenson is now subject to the mandatory registration requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for an indefinite period, reflecting the gravity of his offending and the ongoing need for monitoring.