JOHN BURNS, THE DANGEROUS SEX ATTACKER FROM DRUMCHAPEL, SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH
| Red Rose Database
Drumchapel Rapist
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Drumchapel community, John Burns, aged 28, was convicted of a brutal sexual assault that took place in broad daylight and was subsequently sentenced to four and a half years in prison. The attack, which occurred on May 11, 2015, involved Burns targeting a female school teacher in an open area between Invercanny Drive and Cally Avenue, a location well within the residential and busy surroundings of Drumchapel.
Burns, who was under the influence of what is described as 'legal high' drugs at the time, launched a violent assault on the unsuspecting woman as she was walking alone towards Drumchapel train station. According to court reports, Burns approached her from behind, quickly overpowering her and forcing her to the ground. He then attempted to cover her mouth with his hand as she desperately shouted, 'No please don’t,' while he pinned her down and warned her that he had a knife. During the assault, Burns pushed up her skirt despite her pleas, saying, 'Please don’t,' and he responded coldly, 'Just let me do it then.'
The victim, in a state of extreme fear, managed to tell her attacker that she needed to go to the hospital to see her father. This plea appeared to momentarily halt Burns’ assault, as he asked her, 'Really?' before abruptly stopping and fleeing the scene. The woman, visibly distressed, made her way to Drumchapel police station, where she was found to be in an 'extremely distressed state.'
Investigations quickly followed, with DNA evidence collected from the victim’s clothing. A match was identified through a DNA database, linking Burns to the crime. Further evidence was recovered from Burns’ residence in Drumchapel, including a pair of glasses that matched the description of those worn by the victim during the attack.
Burns later admitted to the sexual assault with intent to rape. The court heard that he had been consuming 'legal high' drugs prior to the incident, which was believed to have contributed to his actions. A background report on Burns indicated that he posed a high risk of further sexually aggressive behavior, raising concerns about public safety.
During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Craig Scott QC emphasized the gravity of Burns’ actions, noting that the attack took place in a location visible from nearby housing and busy roads, where the victim would have reasonably expected to feel safe. The judge described the assault as profoundly traumatic for the victim, stating, 'She is continually on her guard. She has been traumatised by a sustained and intimate sexual assault.'
While acknowledging Burns’ significant mental health issues, the judge pointed out that his involvement with legal highs was a key factor in the incident. He also highlighted that a report had assessed Burns as a high risk for future sexually aggressive conduct. Although Burns was initially convicted of the crime, the judge indicated that if the case had gone to trial, he would have sentenced him to five years in prison.
In addition to his prison sentence, Burns was ordered to remain under supervision for a further two years. The court warned that any breach of the conditions during this period could result in his return to custody. Furthermore, Burns was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing him from reoffending.
Overall, the case underscores the serious consequences of violent sexual crimes and highlights the importance of community safety and justice for victims in Drumchapel and beyond.
Burns, who was under the influence of what is described as 'legal high' drugs at the time, launched a violent assault on the unsuspecting woman as she was walking alone towards Drumchapel train station. According to court reports, Burns approached her from behind, quickly overpowering her and forcing her to the ground. He then attempted to cover her mouth with his hand as she desperately shouted, 'No please don’t,' while he pinned her down and warned her that he had a knife. During the assault, Burns pushed up her skirt despite her pleas, saying, 'Please don’t,' and he responded coldly, 'Just let me do it then.'
The victim, in a state of extreme fear, managed to tell her attacker that she needed to go to the hospital to see her father. This plea appeared to momentarily halt Burns’ assault, as he asked her, 'Really?' before abruptly stopping and fleeing the scene. The woman, visibly distressed, made her way to Drumchapel police station, where she was found to be in an 'extremely distressed state.'
Investigations quickly followed, with DNA evidence collected from the victim’s clothing. A match was identified through a DNA database, linking Burns to the crime. Further evidence was recovered from Burns’ residence in Drumchapel, including a pair of glasses that matched the description of those worn by the victim during the attack.
Burns later admitted to the sexual assault with intent to rape. The court heard that he had been consuming 'legal high' drugs prior to the incident, which was believed to have contributed to his actions. A background report on Burns indicated that he posed a high risk of further sexually aggressive behavior, raising concerns about public safety.
During the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Craig Scott QC emphasized the gravity of Burns’ actions, noting that the attack took place in a location visible from nearby housing and busy roads, where the victim would have reasonably expected to feel safe. The judge described the assault as profoundly traumatic for the victim, stating, 'She is continually on her guard. She has been traumatised by a sustained and intimate sexual assault.'
While acknowledging Burns’ significant mental health issues, the judge pointed out that his involvement with legal highs was a key factor in the incident. He also highlighted that a report had assessed Burns as a high risk for future sexually aggressive conduct. Although Burns was initially convicted of the crime, the judge indicated that if the case had gone to trial, he would have sentenced him to five years in prison.
In addition to his prison sentence, Burns was ordered to remain under supervision for a further two years. The court warned that any breach of the conditions during this period could result in his return to custody. Furthermore, Burns was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing him from reoffending.
Overall, the case underscores the serious consequences of violent sexual crimes and highlights the importance of community safety and justice for victims in Drumchapel and beyond.