HUGH MULLEN AND CAMERON MULLEN SHOCK BLAIRGOWRIE WITH HORRIFIC CRIME AGAINST TEENAGER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Blairgowrie, Hugh Mullen, aged 41, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of heinous crimes involving a teenage girl. The incident, which took place in April 2023, involved multiple acts of sexual assault committed by Mullen and his son, Cameron Mullen, aged 21, against a 16-year-old girl who was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

According to court proceedings, the young victim was socialising with friends in Perth city centre before she consumed alcohol and became intoxicated. She recalls being on a bus prior to being taken to a residence in Blairgowrie, where the assaults occurred. The house was located in Perthshire, and it was there that the two men subjected her to repeated acts of rape. The court heard that the assaults happened on 11 April 2023, and the victim was described as vulnerable and unable to defend herself due to her intoxication.

During the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, the judge, Lord Lake, addressed Hugh Mullen directly, emphasizing the gravity of the crime. He stated, "Rape is always a serious crime with devastating consequences for the victim." The judge highlighted that the victim was young and clearly vulnerable, noting that she was very drunk and unable to look after herself, which the defendant exploited. Lord Lake pointed out that the teenager was subjected to multiple rapes, describing the ordeal as potentially terrifying and traumatic.

The court also considered a victim impact statement, which revealed that the emotional and psychological effects of the assault continue to affect her. The judge remarked that the repercussions of the crime are ongoing and significant, underscoring the lasting damage inflicted.

Hugh Mullen and his son both denied the allegations of rape, but the jury found them guilty of carrying out the assault at the Blairgowrie residence. Additionally, Hugh Mullen was convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice on 12 April 2023 at police headquarters in Dundee. During the proceedings, Hugh Mullen vehemently denied the sexual assault accusations, claiming they were "total lies." His defence counsel, Mark Stewart KC, acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but emphasized that Mullen has a criminal record that includes theft and serious assault charges, though he has no prior sexual offences.

Following sentencing, Hugh Mullen was placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. Cameron Mullen, who is currently on remand at Polmont young offenders' institution, is scheduled to be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow in February. The case has left a lasting impact on the Blairgowrie community, highlighting the severity of the crimes committed and the importance of justice for the young victim.