ABERDEEN MAN STEPHEN DICKSON SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR ABDUCTION AND RAPE IN SCOTLAND

A man responsible for a series of disturbing crimes in Aberdeen, including the abduction and sexual assault of a teenage girl, has been handed a lifelong restriction order by the court. Stephen Dickson, aged 50, faced charges related to these heinous acts, which he vehemently denied, along with two other abductions and an attempted abduction. The case was heard at the High Court in Edinburgh, where Lord Doherty delivered the verdict and imposed a minimum custodial sentence of five years.

During the proceedings, Lord Doherty emphasized the severity of Dickson's actions and the threat he poses to the safety of young women. The judge stated, "I am in no doubt you pose a very serious danger to young women to the safety of their lives."

The most recent offense, a rape, occurred in January of this year within the Torry area of Aberdeen. The other criminal acts attributed to Dickson date back as far as 2007, illustrating a pattern of predatory behavior spanning over a decade.

Lord Doherty addressed Dickson directly, saying, "In each case you preyed on the vulnerable. Your behaviour is extremely concerning and escalated until you finally abducted and raped your last victim." The judge made it clear that, given the gravity of the crimes, Dickson would serve a minimum prison term, but with the understanding that offenders in such circumstances are only eligible for release with the approval of the Parole Board.