RAJINDER SIDHU'S CRIME IN DUMFRIES: SHOCKING RAPE CASE AT CUCKOO BRIDGE RETAIL PARK

In May 2015, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded in Dumfries involving the conviction of Rajinder Sidhu, a man who was found guilty of raping a teenage girl in a car parked near the Tesco supermarket at Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park. The incident, which took place on September 7, 2014, shocked the local community and drew significant attention during the trial held at the High Court in Edinburgh.

According to court proceedings, Sidhu, aged 31 at the time, was visibly emotional after the jury returned a guilty verdict. He was accused of sexually assaulting a young woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, after luring her into his vehicle. The court heard that the victim had been out with friends earlier that evening and believed she was simply getting a lift home when she entered Sidhu’s car.

The prosecution detailed how the assault occurred in the car park of the Tesco store, located at the Cuckoo Bridge Retail Park in Dumfries. The court was told that Sidhu had tricked the young woman into believing he was offering her a ride, but instead, he subjected her to a terrifying ordeal. The incident was brought to light during the trial, which revealed that Sidhu was currently serving time at HMP Barlinnie.

Sidhu’s defense argued that the sexual encounter was consensual. During the trial, his lawyer, George Gebbie, questioned him about the events, asking whether he had raped the young woman. Sidhu responded with a simple “No,” claiming that the woman had willingly entered his vehicle and that their interaction was consensual. However, the jury was unconvinced by his account, and the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of rape.

Prosecutor Jane Farquharson highlighted that Sidhu had a prior conviction from 2006 for attempting to pervert the course of justice. She also presented a statement from the victim, emphasizing the trauma and lasting impact of the assault. The court was informed that Sidhu’s behavior and past record played a role in the sentencing decision.

Sidhu’s lawyer indicated that he would submit a plea for mitigation at a future hearing scheduled for the following month. The judge, Lady Wolffe, decided to defer sentencing until reports on Sidhu’s character and background could be obtained. She ordered that Sidhu be remanded in custody until the sentencing hearing, which was scheduled for July 22, 2015, at the High Court in Edinburgh. Additionally, Sidhu was placed on the Sex Offenders Register as part of the court’s ruling.

On the sentencing date, Lady Wolffe sentenced Rajinder Sidhu to seven years in prison after confirming his guilt. In her remarks, she described the circumstances of the crime, noting that Sidhu had driven around Dumfries late at night, initially attempting to help a young woman who appeared intoxicated and was seeking a taxi home. Instead of assisting her appropriately, Sidhu took advantage of her vulnerable state, driving her to a remote location and raping her in the back of his car.

The judge emphasized the trauma inflicted upon the victim, who remains deeply affected by the assault. She also referenced Sidhu’s criminal history, which included only the 2006 conviction, and his apparent lack of remorse for his actions. Despite his denial of responsibility, the court found that he posed a moderate risk of reoffending sexually and a low risk of general re-offending.

Lady Wolffe acknowledged the limited mitigation presented by Sidhu’s counsel, noting his denial and lack of remorse. She stated that the gravity of the crime left no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence. The sentence was backdated to September 22, 2014, to account for the time Sidhu had already spent in custody. The court also mandated that he comply with notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for an indefinite period, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the community.