TOBY DEAKIN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR RAPE IN INVERNESS HIGHLANDS

A man named Toby Deakin, who committed serious sexual offenses in the Highlands, has been sentenced to six years in prison following a conviction for attacking two teenage girls in Inverness. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the incidents and Deakin's subsequent behavior and attitude.

Deakin's first assault occurred when he was just 15 years old. On May 31, 2016, he targeted a 14-year-old schoolgirl at a residence in Inverness. During this assault, he restrained the young girl, inflicting a traumatic experience that would have lasting effects. The details of this attack were brought to light during the trial, emphasizing the severity of his actions at such a young age.

Several years later, in a separate incident, Deakin, then aged 19, committed another grave offense. On October 12, 2020, in Inverness, he attacked a 16-year-old girl. The court heard that he repeatedly grabbed her by the body and forcibly pulled her across a bed, an act of sexual violence that compounded his previous misconduct. These actions demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior that the court found deeply troubling.

Deakin, who was formerly residing on St Andrews Walk in Fortrose, a town within the Highlands, denied all charges against him. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty after an earlier trial. Throughout the proceedings, Deakin maintained his innocence and claimed that the victims had fabricated evidence to falsely accuse him. His stance was noted by the judge, Lord Clark, who observed that Deakin showed no remorse and blamed the victims for their allegations.

The court considered a background report which indicated that Deakin exhibited no remorse and lacked insight into the harm caused. The report also highlighted that he posed a medium risk of reoffending sexually. The judge acknowledged Deakin's age at the time of the offenses, noting some immaturity, especially during the first attack. Nevertheless, given the gravity of the crimes, Lord Clark determined that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Clark emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating that if an adult had committed these crimes, the sentence would have been significantly longer—approximately eight and a half years. However, due to Deakin's age and the potential for rehabilitation, the court imposed a six-year term, which was backdated to May 5, 2023, the date he was first remanded in custody.

Furthermore, Deakin was informed that he would be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely, reflecting the ongoing risk he poses. The judge also noted that Deakin had one previous conviction unrelated to these offenses but that it did not influence the current sentencing. The court stressed the importance of intervention and rehabilitation during his time in custody to address his behavior and reduce the risk of reoffending.

Throughout the sentencing, Lord Clark highlighted that Deakin continued to deny his guilt and blamed the victims, showing no remorse for his actions. The court's decision underscores the serious nature of sexual offenses committed by young offenders and the importance of safeguarding the community from potential future harm.