Teenager Sentenced for Sexual Offences in Dunfermline
An 18-year-old male, Declan Madden, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh for raping a schoolgirl and sexually assaulting another girl in his hometown of Dunfermline, Fife.
The offences occurred when Madden was aged 14 and 15. The first attack took place in October 2022, when Madden assaulted a 14-year-old girl in a wooded area near Woodmill Road. The second incident happened in February 2024, involving another teenager who was assaulted at a skate park and subsequently in an alleyway.
Judicial Remarks on the Case
Judge David Young KC acknowledged the serious impact of Madden's actions, noting that one of the victims continues to experience flashbacks as a result of the offences.
"Madden's offending had resulted in one of his victims having flashbacks."
The judge emphasized that although Madden was a child at the time of the offences, the severity of the crimes necessitated a custodial sentence.
"Madden was a child at the time of the offences but given their gravity a custodial sentence was required."
He further clarified that the sentence imposed was lower than what would have been given to an adult offender.
Trial and Defence
Madden had denied the charges during an earlier trial but was found guilty of both offences by a jury. Despite the conviction, he continues to deny the offences.
Defence solicitor advocate Brian Gilfedder acknowledged that the convictions would lead to a custodial sentence but requested the court to consider Madden's age at the time of the offences and his current age.
Additional Court Orders
As a first offender, Madden has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. The judge also issued non-harassment orders preventing Madden from contacting or attempting to contact the victims.
