MARK DUNNET SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN SHETLAND FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a recent court ruling, Mark Dunnet, aged 36, was sentenced to a term of eight years in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed over a span of seven years in Shetland. The sentencing took place at the High Court in Edinburgh, where the court heard detailed accounts of the abuse inflicted upon two women by Dunnet, who has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

According to the court records, Dunnet, formerly residing in Sandwick, was found guilty of seven separate charges, including multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and stalking. The offences occurred at various locations across Shetland, beginning in January 2012 and continuing until December 2019. The court heard that Dunnet’s actions were both persistent and heinous, involving physical violence and sexual brutality.

During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence of particularly disturbing acts. One victim was subjected to physical abuse, including being pressed with a hot spoon against her body and being throttled. Dunnet also engaged in sexual assault against her. On one occasion, he restrained and straddled her during a sexual attack, forcing himself upon her. The second victim was assaulted and raped while she was asleep, in a state where she was unable to give or withhold consent, highlighting the severity and brutality of his crimes.

Throughout the proceedings, Dunnet’s defense argued that he maintained his innocence. His solicitor advocate, Iain Paterson, emphasized that Dunnet had no prior criminal record and highlighted references from individuals who expressed ongoing support for him, suggesting he could reintegrate into the community if given the chance. Despite these arguments, the jury’s verdict was clear, and the judge, Lord Weir, acknowledged that the evidence presented was compelling.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Weir stated, “A significant sentence of imprisonment is the necessary consequence of that verdict,” underscoring the gravity of Dunnet’s crimes. The judge also noted that Dunnet would be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, a measure aimed at protecting the community from potential future harm.

It was also noted that Dunnet’s sentence was backdated to September 28th of this year, the date he was remanded into custody following the conclusion of his trial at the High Court in Aberdeen. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the offenses and the length of time over which they occurred, casting a stark light on issues of sexual violence in Shetland and the importance of justice for victims.