STUDENT RAPED IN FIFE PARK BY PREVIOUS SEX OFFENDER
A student was sexually assaulted in a park after a night out with friends.Jamie Irvine, aged 20, was responsible for attacking the 19-year-old victim as she was walking home.
The incident took place in Woodburn Park, St Andrews, Fife, in August last year.
The victim, who was celebrating with friends and had been visiting relatives, got lost after taking a taxi home.
During her walk across the park, Irvine, who had previous convictions for sex offences, assaulted her.
He was caught through DNA evidence and was found guilty of raping her at the High Court in Dunfermline.
The young woman fought desperately to fend off Irvine during the attack.
She then fled the scene, leaving her shoes and handbag behind, and sought help from a nearby house.
Irvine claimed his victim consented to sex, a statement the court rejected.
Detective Inspector Lee Dickson of Fife Constabulary led the investigation and expressed relief at Irvine's conviction, stating: "The verdict is a welcome closure to a serious crime in our community and a step closer to resolving the issues that are left to be borne by the victim and her family." Irvine's sentencing was deferred for social inquiry reports, and he was remanded in custody.
