Perth Man Jailed for Sexual Assault on Teen

A 36-year-old man from Perth, Richard Rattray, was convicted of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl and was sentenced to six months in jail. The incident took place on March 1, 2019, at Broxden Farm, Lamberkine Drive, Perth, where Rattray repeatedly touched the victim's body and bottom and stroked her thighs. The Sheriff Keith O’Mahoney described the assault as “fairly persistent and alarming” during the Perth Sheriff Court hearing. Rattray admitted that he was extremely intoxicated on the day of the offence, stating he was “steaming” and couldn’t remember being at the location. As part of his sentence, Rattray’s name will be added to the sex offenders’ register for seven years. Solicitor Linda Clark noted that her client showed genuine remorse for the impact of his actions, and it was acknowledged that alcohol was a significant factor in his behavior, although not an excuse. The sheriff emphasized that there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence, considering the danger and fear experienced by the victim.