Aaron Strachan, 21, has been told he may never be released from prison after being sentenced for the “bestial” rape of a 15-year-old girl in Edinburgh. Judge Michael O'Grady KC imposed an order for lifelong restriction with a minimum of five years in custody, stating that Strachan's actions were “the stuff of nightmares for every woman and every young girl”.
Attack details
Strachan stalked, abducted and raped the teenager in the York Place area of the capital on May 25 last year. On the same day, he also stabbed a man in an unprovoked attack in the South Bridge area. Three days later, on May 28, he attacked another man with a hammer in High Riggs.
Guilty plea and escape
Strachan pleaded guilty to the rape and two assaults on December 4, 2025, and on Monday pleaded guilty to attempting to defeat the ends of justice. He had earlier escaped from the Court of Session in January while being led to a prison van, but was recaptured in the city a few hours later.
Judgment
Judge O'Grady described the rape as a “truly bestial crime” and said Strachan had left his “lair and went out hunting for a vulnerable victim”. He noted Strachan's “concerning” criminal record: 18 previous court appearances relating to 38 separate charges, including eight involving weapon possession. The judge said Strachan was “likely to remain in prison for many years, if indeed you are ever released”.
Strachan, handcuffed throughout the hearing, showed no reaction. His lawyer Simon Collins accepted the offences were “extremely serious” and that Strachan faced “an extremely lengthy period in custody”.
