ALEXANDRIA SEX OFFENDER MARTIN MCKEEN SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR RAPE IN WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

In September 2022, a man named Martin McKeen was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of raping a woman in West Dunbartonshire. The incident took place at a flat located in Haldane, a village within the West Dunbartonshire council area, in July 2018. The case drew significant attention as it involved serious allegations of sexual assault against a woman who was described as terrified during the attack.

Martin McKeen, aged 34 and a telecommunications engineer by profession, initially denied the charges brought against him. Despite his denial, the jury at the High Court in Glasgow found him guilty of the charge of rape. However, they acquitted him of additional allegations that he had attacked the woman on multiple occasions, leading to a partial conviction.

Throughout the proceedings, McKeen was considered a first-time offender. At the time of sentencing, he was on bail, awaiting the court's decision. The sentencing took place on Tuesday, September 20, with McKeen returning to the dock to hear the verdict. The presiding judge, Sheriff Tom Hughes, addressed McKeen directly, emphasizing the gravity of the conviction. He stated, “This is a very serious conviction. The woman gave evidence and she did so bravely. Given the circumstances of the case, a custodial sentence is inevitable.”

Following the sentencing, Sheriff Hughes ordered that McKeen serve four years in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions related to his conduct. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the justice system to address and penalize sexual offenses, especially those involving vulnerable victims in the West Dunbartonshire area, including Alexandria where McKeen resides.