FALKIRK MAN JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A RAPIST who attacked a 14-year-old girl after hearing 'voices' was sentenced to eight years in prison yesterday.James Raffan, 28, admitted to raping the girl and engaging in various indecent acts after threatening her with a knife in Dawson Park, Falkirk, on December 16 last year.
Prosecutor Hugh Matthews told the High Court in Edinburgh that Raffan, of Abbotsford Street, Bainsford, Falkirk, had multiple previous convictions, including one last year for indecent exposure.
The incident occurred around 11 pm when the girl was walking home after participating in her school pantomime.
Raffan caught up with her, presented a knife, and forced her to a pavilion where he raped her.
Three days later, Raffan voluntarily entered Bellsdyke Hospital and admitted the assault to police.
He stated he had been out drinking that night and heard voices instructing him to commit the rape.
Defense lawyer Mr.
John Watt mentioned Raffan's mental health history, including hallucinations, noting he had stopped taking prescribed medication about six weeks prior to the attack.
The judge, Lord Ross, noted that the majority opinion of four psychiatrists indicated Raffan did not need hospital treatment as his illness was controllable with medication.
The judge described the crime as particularly egregious, especially because the victim was only 14 and a stranger to Raffan.
