JAMES FREEMAN GUILTY OF REPEATED RAPE IN ABERDEEN AND BANFF
| Red Rose Database
Aberdeen Banff Rapist
In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Aberdeen, Banff, and surrounding areas, James Freeman, aged 49, has been found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape involving his stepdaughter. The conviction was delivered by the High Court in Aberdeen earlier this year, following a detailed trial that revealed the extent of Freeman's disturbing abuse.
During the proceedings, it was disclosed that Freeman, a resident of Portsoy in Aberdeenshire, had subjected his young stepdaughter to repeated acts of sexual violence over a period spanning from May 2013 to 2017. The victim, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was just 10 or 11 years old when Freeman first assaulted her at a caravan park in Sutherland. The court heard that these assaults did not cease there but continued at various locations across the north of Scotland, including addresses in Aberdeen and Banff, as well as in Nairn and even a derelict building in Portsoy.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Freeman's abuse escalated over time. The court described instances where he forcibly restrained the girl, tying her arms, blindfolding her, and raping her on multiple occasions. The victim was between 11 and 12 years old during some of these assaults, and later between 13 and 15, Freeman continued his abuse at different sites, including a derelict building in Portsoy. The court heard harrowing descriptions of how Freeman would push and hold the girl down on a bed during these assaults, actions that underscored the brutality of his crimes.
Freeman maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying all charges. Despite his protests, the jury found him guilty of two counts of rape and sexual assault. As the verdict was read, Freeman showed no visible reaction; instead, he grinned and laughed as security officers placed handcuffs on him. His reaction drew attention, but the court proceeded with the legal process.
Judge Simon Collins QC, who presided over the case, initially deferred sentencing to allow for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared. The judge emphasized that a substantial custodial sentence was inevitable, and Freeman was remanded in custody pending sentencing. Subsequently, at the High Court in Edinburgh, the defense requested a further delay to allow a psychologist to assess Freeman, citing his history of mental health issues and previous hospital treatment. Freeman, who observed the proceedings via video link from prison, was described as having a complex mental health background.
Judge Collins agreed to defer sentencing once more, pending the completion of a psychological report. The final sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 5, 2022, at the High Court in Edinburgh, where the full extent of Freeman's punishment will be determined. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities involved, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
During the proceedings, it was disclosed that Freeman, a resident of Portsoy in Aberdeenshire, had subjected his young stepdaughter to repeated acts of sexual violence over a period spanning from May 2013 to 2017. The victim, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was just 10 or 11 years old when Freeman first assaulted her at a caravan park in Sutherland. The court heard that these assaults did not cease there but continued at various locations across the north of Scotland, including addresses in Aberdeen and Banff, as well as in Nairn and even a derelict building in Portsoy.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed how Freeman's abuse escalated over time. The court described instances where he forcibly restrained the girl, tying her arms, blindfolding her, and raping her on multiple occasions. The victim was between 11 and 12 years old during some of these assaults, and later between 13 and 15, Freeman continued his abuse at different sites, including a derelict building in Portsoy. The court heard harrowing descriptions of how Freeman would push and hold the girl down on a bed during these assaults, actions that underscored the brutality of his crimes.
Freeman maintained his innocence throughout the trial, denying all charges. Despite his protests, the jury found him guilty of two counts of rape and sexual assault. As the verdict was read, Freeman showed no visible reaction; instead, he grinned and laughed as security officers placed handcuffs on him. His reaction drew attention, but the court proceeded with the legal process.
Judge Simon Collins QC, who presided over the case, initially deferred sentencing to allow for a criminal justice social work report to be prepared. The judge emphasized that a substantial custodial sentence was inevitable, and Freeman was remanded in custody pending sentencing. Subsequently, at the High Court in Edinburgh, the defense requested a further delay to allow a psychologist to assess Freeman, citing his history of mental health issues and previous hospital treatment. Freeman, who observed the proceedings via video link from prison, was described as having a complex mental health background.
Judge Collins agreed to defer sentencing once more, pending the completion of a psychological report. The final sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 5, 2022, at the High Court in Edinburgh, where the full extent of Freeman's punishment will be determined. The case has left a lasting impact on the communities involved, highlighting the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.