In 2018, Sean Hogg, age 21, was convicted of raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Dalkeith Country Park, Midlothian, without receiving a prison sentence.
Hogg, who appeared in the dock of the High Court in Glasgow in tears, was sentenced to 270 hours of unpaid work in lieu of a four- to five-year prison term. This decision was based on this year’s introduction of new sentencing guidelines for those under 25 in Scotland. These encourage rehabilitation over punishment and recommend a “individualistic approach” that takes life experiences into account.
According to court documents, Hogg, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, threatened the victim and forced her to perform a sex act prior to raping her. Judge Lake stated at sentencing that rape was “one of the most serious crimes” and that the victim’s age and vulnerability were “aggravating circumstances.” In addition, he stated that Hogg was a first-time offender with no prior prison history who was 17 years old at the time of the offence.
Donald Findlay QC, the defence attorney, informed the court that an appeal was planned. A spokesperson for the Crown Office stated that they will evaluate whether or not the sentence is too lenient.
In 2018, Sean Hogg, age 21, was found guilty of raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl in a park, but he was spared prison time. This decision was made in light of new sentencing guidelines for individuals under the age of 25 in Scotland that prioritise rehabilitation over punishment. The court heard that Hogg threatened the victim, grabbed her wrists, and forced her to perform a sexual act before raping her. Despite this, Judge Lake determined that incarceration was not the best way to ensure Hogg’s rehabilitation and instead sentenced him to 270 hours of community service and a three-year registration on the sex offenders registry. It is planned to file an appeal, and the Crown Office will evaluate whether the sentence was excessively lenient.
