MARK KETTRICK SENTENCED IN GALASHIELS FOR RAPE IN BORDER TOWN

A man from the Borders town of Galashiels has been convicted and sentenced to prison for a serious sexual assault that took place in his own home. Mark Kettrick, aged 34 and residing on Kirkbrae in Galashiels, was found guilty of raping a woman in her residence during March 2018. The court proceedings revealed that Kettrick, who was employed as a housing officer with the City of Edinburgh Council, denied the charges against him, asserting that the sexual encounter was consensual.

However, the jury at the High Court in Edinburgh did not accept his defense. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, provided compelling testimony indicating that Kettrick had initially attempted to kiss her before forcibly grabbing her by the arm and head, subsequently engaging in sexual activity without her consent. Her account was supported by evidence presented during the trial, which ultimately led to his conviction.

During the sentencing hearing held at the High Court in Livingston, Kettrick’s defense lawyer, John McElroy, stated that his client maintained his innocence throughout the process. Nevertheless, after consulting with Kettrick, he acknowledged that the jury’s verdict of guilty was final. McElroy also highlighted that Kettrick had been involved in a relationship for approximately fifteen months, which he intended to continue even while serving his prison sentence.

The court was informed that Kettrick had previous convictions, but the social workers’ assessment categorized him as being at a medium risk of reoffending sexually, with a low risk of future violence. The judge, Lord Arthurson, who presided over the case via video link from prison, emphasized the severity of the crime, noting that the use of force made the rape an “extremely serious crime.”

Lord Arthurson pointed out that Kettrick’s criminal record was relatively short, consisting mainly of summary offenses, and did not include any violent or sexual crimes. However, the background report revealed that Kettrick lacked empathy for the victim and showed no remorse or responsibility for his actions. Based on the gravity of the offense and the circumstances of the case, the judge concluded that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

As a result, Kettrick was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence being backdated to February 8, 2018, the date he was first remanded in custody. The judge also ordered that his name remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the serious nature of his crime and the potential risk he poses to the community.