Aaron Strachan, 21, approached the 15-year-old as she waited at a bus stop in central Edinburgh in the early hours of May 25 last year. CCTV showed him wearing a balaclava, following her from a distance before running at a second bus stop while brandishing a knife.
The Attack
Strachan seized the girl by the shoulders and forced her into the basement of a building on York Place. He blocked the door with wooden pallets to prevent her escape before raping her. He did not know the victim and was identified after his DNA was found at the scene.
Guilty Pleas and Other Offences
On December 4, 2025, Strachan pleaded guilty to rape at the High Court in Edinburgh. He also admitted repeatedly stabbing a man on the hand with a knife, causing severe injury, just hours before the rape. He further pleaded guilty to striking another man on the head with a claw hammer on May 28, 2025, endangering his life.
Escape and Sentencing
After sentencing was adjourned on March 6, 2026, Strachan escaped from custody while leaving the court building. He was caught by police a short time later. He had also escaped in January while being led from the Court of Session to a prison van following a hearing, but was recaptured hours later.
At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, Strachan was given an indefinite sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of five years before being considered for parole. His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely. Judge O'Grady told the 21-year-old that due to the risk he poses to the public, he may never be released.
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."
