JACOB DAVIES SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN ORKNEY AND GLASGOW

A man named Jacob Davies has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after committing multiple serious sexual offenses in Orkney. The crimes included the rape of a 15-year-old girl in a public toilet, where he also detained her against her will. Court documents reveal that Davies, aged 22 at the time of sentencing, was responsible for abducting the teenage girl, imprisoning her in a public restroom, and repeatedly assaulting her over a period extending from February 2018 to January 2021.

Further details show that Davies was involved in a separate incident during which he seized and compressed the girl’s neck within the same public toilet facility before raping her once again. Additionally, charges indicate that Davies broke into a property uninvited and assaulted a different young woman there. These assaults ranged from an attempt to kiss her to groping over her clothing, and at one point, he lifted her and again strangled her, causing her to lose consciousness. This pattern of violent and sexual behavior highlights a disturbing sequence of offenses committed over several years.

In a different incident, Davies assaulted another woman at Stromness Community Centre, also in Orkney. This victim was subjected to unwanted groping by Davies, and the attacker later detained her in public toilets within a nearby park, continuing his pattern of predatory behavior. These multiple charges culminated in Davies's conviction last month on seven counts related to the incidents.

During sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Arthurson addressed Davies’s extensive criminal conduct. He stated, “Make no mistake, the impact of your crimes has been utterly devastating. From the background report prepared, you continue to deny the charges as is your right. It is plain from the gravity of the offending you were convicted of, only a substantial custodial sentence is appropriate. The normal period of licence is not suitable to protect the public from serious harm from you.”

As a result, Davies received an extended sentence amounting to nine years, which includes six years of direct imprisonment and an additional three years under supervision after release. The judge emphasized that this extended period serves to safeguard the community, particularly given the seriousness of the offenses.

Michael Meehan KC, representing Davies in his defense, acknowledged the severity of the crimes, noting that they involved a significant number of offenses. Following his conviction, Davies was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

The sentencing also detailed the circumstances surrounding Davies’s background. It was noted he has no prior criminal convictions but has been diagnosed with adult autism spectrum disorder. Described as an intelligent individual with substantial IT skills, Davies has spent his entire life living with his mother, most recently in Orkney. The court acknowledged his vulnerability as a young adult during the time of the offenses, based on observations made during trial and assessments provided.

The criminal justice social work report highlighted that Davies continued to deny the charges, though it also noted concerning behaviors such as victim blaming and a lack of empathy for his victims. The report further revealed that between May and July 2020, Davies was subjected to a three-month diversion program related to alleged sexualized behaviors towards young females under 16, indicating ongoing issues.

Given the high risk of reoffending, the report suggested that an extended sentence was appropriate to prevent further harm. The judge took into account mitigation presented by Davies’s legal team, emphasizing his age at the time of offending—between 17 and 20 years old—and his compliance with bail conditions prior to trial, including strict curfews.

However, the court stressed that based on the severity of the offenses and the risk assessment, only a significant custodial sentence could satisfy justice and public safety. The sentence was structured with a custodial period of six years followed by a three-year supervised extension in the community. Conditions of his release will be managed by Scottish Ministers, and failure to adhere to these conditions could lead to revocation of his license and re-imprisonment.

The court further clarified that Davies's sentence would be served cumulatively, with the initial six years in custody, backdated to July 21, 2023, the date of his conviction. Throughout the supervision period, he will face strict monitoring, and the court retains the authority to impose further penalties if he commits additional offenses during this time.

This case underscores the grievous nature of Davies’s crimes in Orkney, as well as the systemic responses aimed at ensuring he is managed appropriately to protect society from future harm.