Case Overview
Aaron Strachan, 21, is facing a potential life sentence after abducting a 15-year-old girl at knifepoint and raping her in a basement in Edinburgh city centre. The incident occurred in the early hours of 25 May last year.
Strachan followed the teenage girl before threatening her with a knife and forcing her to walk through the streets. The case is currently before Judge Michael O'Grady KC, who has deferred sentencing pending reports to assess whether Strachan qualifies for an order for lifelong restriction.
This order would mean that Strachan could only be released if the parole board determines he no longer poses a danger to the public.
Judge's Remarks
During the hearing, Judge O'Grady described Strachan as "clearly out of control" and capable of "the most alarming outbursts of significant violence and dreadful acts of premeditated cruelty and sexual depravity."
"The crime of rape which you have committed is as disturbing and as wicked as I have seen on these many years on the bench.
It contains almost every aggravating feature it is possible to imagine."
The judge also noted Strachan's extensive criminal history, stating he had been convicted 13 times for various offences, including three involving "significant violence" with a knife and hammer.
Sentencing has been deferred until June, with the judge emphasizing that Strachan is "a deeply dangerous individual to anyone who has the misfortune to attract your anger or your sexual desires."
He also remarked on the lasting impact on the victim, saying the teenage girl would "forever walk in the awful shadow of what you did to her in a dingy cellar."
Details of the Attack
Advocate depute Chris McKenna provided details of the attack, explaining that the 15-year-old had spent the evening at a friend's home before walking along Lothian Road to a bus stop.
Strachan approached her while wearing a balaclava and sat beside her. Feeling uneasy, the girl moved to a bus stop outside the Marks and Spencer on Princes Street.
Strachan followed her, demanded her phone, and warned her not to scream.
He then threatened her with a knife, grabbed her by the shoulders, and marched her towards York Place, frequently covering her eyes.
Strachan forced the girl down a set of steps to a basement where a mattress lay on the floor and raped her.
Before leaving, he threatened her not to tell anyone and warned he would find and harm her if she did.
Police described the "harrowing attack" as having a profound effect on the young girl.
