SHANE ALLAN SENTENCED IN KIRKCALDY FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SLEEPING WOMAN

A man identified as Shane Allan, aged 27, has been sentenced to a year in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years following a serious sexual assault incident in Kirkcaldy. The case drew significant attention at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, where the court heard that Allan was previously convicted by a jury of a disturbing sexual assault involving penetration while his victim was asleep and unable to give consent.

The incident, which took place in October 2022, involved Allan engaging in sexual activity with a woman who was unconscious at the time, a crime that has been classified as a grave violation of her personal autonomy and safety. The court was told that Allan’s actions were committed while the victim was in a vulnerable state, rendering her incapable of consenting to any sexual contact.

During the sentencing hearing, Allan’s defence lawyer, David Bell, argued for a sentence that would not involve imprisonment. Instead, he proposed a “robust community package” aimed at rehabilitating Allan and addressing the underlying issues that led to the offending. The lawyer referenced a social work report, which indicated that Allan, a resident of Links Street in Kirkcaldy, was considered a first-time offender. According to the report, Allan’s risk level was assessed as lower than that of others convicted of similar offences.

Mr. Bell emphasized that Allan does not accept the conduct outlined in the charge, and his stance, as reflected in the social worker’s report, was consistent with his position during the trial, which the jury ultimately rejected. Despite these arguments, the court determined that a custodial sentence was appropriate given the severity of the offence and the need to protect the public.

As part of his sentence, Allan will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and management of his conduct. The case underscores the importance of accountability and justice in cases involving sexual assault, especially when the victim is vulnerable and unable to defend herself.