KEVIN MATHERS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED RAPE
In July 2011, a disturbing case unfolded in Edinburgh involving Kevin Mathers, a 23-year-old man whose violent and degrading assault on a teenage girl led to a life imprisonment sentence.Mathers, who was unemployed and residing on Ferry Road Drive in Edinburgh, committed a heinous sexual attack on June 30 of the previous year, along a footpath near Telford Path, close to Ferry Road.
According to court proceedings, Mathers approached the 16-year-old victim while she was walking her dog.
The assault quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal when he dragged her into nearby bushes.
During the attack, Mathers demanded, “How many times do you want me to rape you?” and insisted, “You’re coming home with me tonight.” His threats escalated as he warned her that she would be slashed if she screamed for help.
Despite the danger, the young girl managed to escape her attacker when a couple happened to pass by the scene.
Her immediate reaction was one of shock and fear, as she shouted, “I’ve been raped.
He’s going to stab me,” seeking help from the passersby.
Her quick thinking and the intervention of the couple ultimately prevented further harm.
Following the incident, Mathers was charged and pleaded guilty to assault and attempted rape.
The court heard that he had earlier admitted to these charges, which took place on the specified date on a public footpath.
The case was brought before the High Court in Edinburgh, where Lord Pentland presided over the sentencing.
During the hearing, Lord Pentland described the attack as “despicable” and emphasized the severity of the crime.
He stated, “You have pled guilty to a despicable, sexual attack on a young woman — a complete stranger to you.” The judge further characterized the assault as “a terrifying and degrading ordeal,” highlighting the violence, the sustained nature of the attack, and the depraved conduct involved.
Lord Pentland also noted that Mathers was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the assault, which contributed to his violent behavior.
The court reviewed a detailed risk assessment report, which concluded that Mathers posed a high risk to public safety and was likely to commit further violent offenses if released.
Despite his young age, Mathers already had a criminal record that included convictions for assault causing severe injury and assault, indicating a pattern of aggressive and violent behavior.
In light of these findings, the judge imposed a lifelong restriction order, effectively a life sentence, to ensure that Mathers remains in prison unless the Parole Board determines that his release would not endanger the public.
The court also set a minimum term of imprisonment, which was calculated to be 7 years, reflecting the seriousness of the offense and Mathers’ early guilty plea.
This minimum period was subsequently reduced by 50% to 3 years and 6 months, in accordance with legal guidelines regarding early release rules.
Lord Pentland emphasized that the minimum term does not represent a release date but is merely the period Mathers must serve before the Parole Board can consider his case.
Given the high risk he presents, the judge expressed confidence that Mathers would likely remain incarcerated for many years.
The life sentence was backdated to July 5, 2010, the date of his first court appearance related to this case, and Mathers was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
Following the sentencing, the victim expressed relief, stating, “I am happy it’s over.
I’ll hopefully stop being depressed all the time and stop getting nightmares,” reflecting her hope for recovery after the traumatic experience.
