Judge convicts rapist “without remorse” for attacks on schoolgirl and three women

A rapist who sexually, physically and psychologically abused a schoolgirl and three women has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison.

Jamie Wilson targeted the women and the 14-year-old girl as part of a series of crimes against victims in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

Wilson, from Edinburgh, began his offences in November 2015 and continued until July 2022, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.

The 34-year-old denied a number of charges in an earlier trial, but was found guilty of nine counts of sexual and physical assault, rape, threats or ill-treatment, and breaching bail conditions.

The court heard that Wilson raped a woman in an Edinburgh flat in July 2022 by restraining her.

In November 2015, Wilson sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl at another address in the city while she was sleeping and continued the assault after she woke up.

In 2017, he attacked a woman in a house in Newtongrange, Midlothian, killing her. He grabbed her by the neck, pushed her against a wall and prevented her from breathing. He also repeatedly punched her in the face and threw her to the ground.

In 2022, Wilson committed another life-threatening attack on another woman in an Edinburgh flat, punching, choking and pushing her against a window and wall.

A judge told the sex offender that the jury had found him guilty of “a sustained series of violent and sexual crimes against vulnerable women.”

Judge Michael O'Grady KC said: “Their conduct has shown utter contempt for them and for women in general.”

The judge accused him of behaving like a “bully and a coward” and added: “You have shown no insight, not the slightest trace of remorse and not the slightest hint of emotion.”

He issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Wilson from having any contact or attempting to have contact with the victims for an indefinite period of time.

The judge also ordered that Wilson remain under supervision for an additional five years while on probation, but could return to prison if he violates the conditions.

Defence lawyer Michael Meehan KC said Wilson had previous convictions for violent offences but was still “relatively young” and there was some hope for his rehabilitation.

Wilson was placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Keith Taylor, Detective Inspector at Police Scotland, said: “Wilson now faces the consequences of a campaign of violent and sexual assault on women which spanned a long period of time.”

“I commend the women for their strength in coming forward and reporting his crime and for the length of the legal process. I hope that the conviction and sentence will bring them justice and allow them to move on with their lives.

“Anyone who has been a victim of violence or sexual abuse is urged to report it to us, regardless of when it happened. We are committed to fully investigating all reports and victims are supported throughout by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”