A 15-year-old girl was abducted from a bus stop in Edinburgh city centre in the early hours of May 25, 2025, by Aaron Strachan, then 21, who raped her in a basement.
The Attack
The victim felt uneasy when Strachan approached her at the first bus stop and walked away towards Princes Street, which was busier. Strachan, wearing a balaclava, was captured on CCTV following her at a distance. He then ran towards her as she sat at a second bus stop, threatening to harm her while brandishing a knife. Strachan seized her by the shoulders and forcibly led her to the basement of a building on York Place, where he blocked the door with wooden pallets to prevent her from leaving before raping her.
Arrest and Guilty Plea
Strachan, who did not know the victim, was identified after his DNA was found at the scene. On June 1, 2025, police saw him on Dalry Road; he ran away but was located hiding in shrubbery a short time later. On December 4, 2025, he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh and pleaded guilty to rape. He also admitted repeatedly stabbing a man on the hand with a knife, causing severe injury – an offence that took place just hours before the basement attack. Strachan further pleaded guilty to a second assault after striking another man on the head with a claw hammer on May 28, 2025, to the danger of his life.
Escape and Sentencing
On January 13, 2026, after sentencing was adjourned, Strachan escaped from custody while leaving the court building. He was caught by police a short time later. On July 27, 2026, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Strachan was given an indefinite sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of five years before he can be considered for parole. His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Prosecutor's Statement
Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: "Aaron Strachan’s actions in abducting his victim before raping her were calculated, predatory, and caused profound harm. Although this type of stranger offending is rare, this conviction reflects the gravity of his crimes and the commitment of prosecutors and police to bring him to justice. Sexual violence and the use of weapons to intimidate and harm have no place in our society. We will continue to take action against perpetrators while supporting victims throughout the prosecution process."
