KEVIN GUTHRIE AND HIS SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN GLASGOW
Sunshine on Leith actor Kevin Guthrie has recently been released from incarceration after successfully appealing his original sentence for sexual assault, which had been set at three years.The 34-year-old actor, who gained recognition for his role in the popular film, was initially imprisoned in May of the previous year following an incident that took place at a flat in Glasgow’s West End.
Although Guthrie's sentence was reduced to two years after the appeal, his efforts to overturn his conviction altogether were unsuccessful, as the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh upheld the conviction.
A formal judgement explaining the reasoning behind this decision is expected to be published shortly.
Guthrie’s legal representation, advocate Ian Duguid QC, argued convincingly that the original sentence was excessively harsh considering the specifics of the case.
During the hearing, Duguid pointed out that individuals in comparable circumstances had received shorter periods of imprisonment.
He further contended that Guthrie suffered from what he described as “defective representation” during the initial trial, and insisted that the conviction itself should be quashed.
Duguid emphasized, “The case was not handled properly.
There were failures in the case.” As a result of the appeals court’s decision, Guthrie’s sentence was reduced from three years to two, which meant that he met the criteria for immediate release since he had already served a term equivalent to two years.
Throughout the proceedings, Guthrie observed the appeal via videolink from Dumfries Prison.
The circumstances of the case, which drew significant media attention, involve complex forensic evidence.
During his original trial last year, Guthrie maintained his innocence, claiming that he only assisted the woman after she fell ill.
However, the court was presented with forensic findings indicating his DNA was found inside her underwear, leading to his conviction.
Guthrie, known for his roles in the critically acclaimed films such as the Fantastic Beasts series and the Netflix series The English Game, faced the court after being found guilty following a four-day trial.
He was subsequently placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, reflecting the seriousness of the crime.
The incident in question occurred at the residence of fellow actor Scott Reid, best known as Methadone Mick from BBC’s Still Game, on September 30, 2017.
On that evening, the 29-year-old woman was intending to meet friends at a bar in Glasgow.
However, she became unwell, prompting Reid to receive a call from a taxi driver to come and collect her.
Reid and Guthrie then assisted her into the flat located in Kelvindale, Glasgow, where they placed her on a bed.
The court heard that Reid called NHS 24 and left Guthrie in the room to ensure the woman was okay.
Nevertheless, during her testimony, the woman recounted distressing details, stating, “I remember my top being lifted up and my bra being held down.” Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Guthrie sexually groped her before performing a sexual act.
The court was told that he engaged in two additional sexual acts and also kissed her on the mouth.
Guthrie’s actions were interrupted when Reid entered the room, at which point he ceased further activity.
The case drew widespread attention due to the nature of the assault and Guthrie’s public profile, highlighting the justice system’s handling of such serious allegations.
