ROSS CUMMINS SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR MULTIPLE RAPE AND VIOLENCE OFFENSES

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Arthurson delivered a severe sentence to Ross Cummins, a man whose heinous crimes spanned over a two-year period in Edinburgh. Cummins was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and violence against both an adult woman and a young girl, crimes that have left a lasting scar on his victims and the community alike.

In a detailed courtroom hearing, Lord Arthurson announced that Cummins would serve an extended prison term totaling 18 years. The sentence comprises an initial custodial period of 13 years, followed by an extension of five years during which Cummins will remain under supervision in the community. This decision underscores the gravity of his offenses and the risk he poses to society.

During the sentencing, Lord Arthurson emphasized the brutality and depravity of Cummins' actions. He stated, "Ross Cummins, on 2 December 2022 at Edinburgh High Court, you were convicted by a jury of two charges of rape, one charge of rape to injury, and one charge of assault to injury concerning an adult female. Additionally, you were convicted of two charges of rape and one charge of assault to injury involving a young girl aged between four and eight years old. It is important to note that you held a position of trust in relation to the child."

The judge detailed the violent and sexually abusive conduct inflicted upon the victims. The adult victim was subjected to biting, strangulation, and even being tied up during the assault. Threatening her with knives, Cummins demonstrated a pattern of violent intimidation. The assault on the young girl was equally disturbing, involving stamping on her head, striking her with a pole, and forcing her to eat food from the floor, actions that reflect a significant level of deviance and cruelty.

Lord Arthurson highlighted that these offenses were committed over a sustained period, making them particularly egregious. He described the crimes as "truly despicable acts of violence and sexual violence," emphasizing the severity and the impact on the victims. The court also took into account Cummins' extensive criminal history, which includes nine convictions on indictment, with previous sentences for assault and robbery involving weapons in 2015 and 2017. His record shows a pattern of violent and acquisitive crimes, including drug-related offenses.

At 36 years old, Cummins has already served multiple custodial sentences, totaling 32 years, and has been convicted twice in the High Court. He was recently recalled to custody under the terms of his license, with a scheduled release date of February 2, 2024. The court considered mitigation arguments presented by his senior counsel, who pointed out that Cummins denies the offenses and has a history primarily characterized by acquisitive and drug-related crimes, which differ from the current case.

However, a comprehensive criminal justice social work report painted a grim picture of the risks associated with Cummins. The report classified him as high to very high risk of reoffending sexually and violently. It warned that he poses a significant threat of further harm to women and children, with a high likelihood of escalating violence and sexual misconduct. The report noted a disturbing pattern of increasing seriousness in his offending behavior, with the current crimes representing a further escalation.

Given these findings, the court determined that only a substantial custodial sentence could adequately protect the public. The risk assessments indicated that a standard license period would be insufficient to mitigate the danger he poses. Consequently, Lord Arthurson imposed an extended sentence, which includes a custodial component and a supervised extension period on license. Conditions of this license will be set by Scottish Ministers, and any breach could result in revocation and re-imprisonment.

Furthermore, the court highlighted that if Cummins commits any further offenses while on license, additional legal measures could be taken to deal with him. The judge concluded that the suffering inflicted on the victims—an adult woman and a young child—was beyond comprehension, and the damage caused was incalculable. His criminal record, characterized by repeated violence and sexual offenses, further justified the harsh sentence.

In summary, Cummins was sentenced on multiple charges, including those related to sexual assault and violence, to serve a total of 18 years. The sentence is structured to ensure both punishment and ongoing supervision, reflecting the court’s determination to prevent further harm. Additionally, Cummins will be subject to indefinite notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct after release.