Listen to this article Man Who Sexually Assaulted 13-Year-Old Girl Receives Community Sentence
Introduction
Sean Hogg, a 21-year-old man, has received a community sentence for raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Dalkeith Country Park, Midlothian.The incidents occurred on various occasions between March and June 2018. In this article, we will discuss the details of the case, the sentencing, and the relevant guidelines.
Details of the Case
According to court papers, Hogg, of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, threatened the girl, seized her by the wrists, and forced her to carry out a sex act before raping her. A jury found him guilty of the charges, and he appeared in the dock for sentencing in tears at the High Court in Glasgow.
Sentencing
Judge Lord Lake said that Hogg would have received a jail sentence of four or five years if an adult over 25 had committed the offence. However, due to Hogg’s age and lack of prior offenses, the judge ordered him to complete 270 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision and on the sex offenders register for three years.
New Sentencing Guidelines
New guidelines for sentencing offenders under 25 were introduced in Scotland in January 2022.Moreover they prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, recommending an “individualistic approach” taking into account the offender’s life experiences.
Judge Lake acknowledged the severity of the crime, stating that rape was “one of the most serious crimes” and that in this case, the victim’s age and vulnerabilities were “aggravating factors.” However, he did not believe that sending Hogg to prison would contribute to his rehabilitation.
Appeal and Consideration
Hogg’s defense counsel, Donald Findlay KC, said they plan to appeal the sentence.Furthermore a spokesperson for the Crown Office stated that they will consider whether the sentence was unduly lenient, as with all cases.
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