Aaron Strachan has been handed an indefinite prison sentence for the abduction and rape of a 15-year-old girl in Edinburgh. The court also heard that Strachan, a former athlete with Edinburgh Athletic Club, admitted to other violent offenses.
These included repeatedly stabbing a man in the hand with a knife, causing severe injury, hours before the rape. He also attacked another man with a claw hammer to the danger of his life on May 28. Strachan pleaded guilty to these charges.
He appeared at the High Court for sentencing on January 13. However, he fled custody while being transferred to a waiting vehicle. Prosecutors described Strachan's actions as "calculated, predatory, and caused profound harm." The court was told that while the minimum term set was five years, this did not guarantee release. Judge O'Grady stated that it was "highly improbable" that Strachan's violent tendencies and mental disorder would be adequately addressed during his incarceration.
The victim's family, present in court for the sentencing, expressed disbelief at the decision, shouting "that's ridiculous" when the indefinite prison sentence was announced.