Birthday rapist given six years

A man who raped a teenager as she returned home from her 17th birthday celebrations in Galashiels has been jailed for six years.

Samuel Bell, 24, grabbed her after she fell out with a girlfriend and walked home alone on 15 November last year.

Bell had denied rape, claiming the girl had consented to sex, but was convicted previously by a jury.

Passing sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Philip said Bell had subjected her to a "terrifying attack".

Bell's lawyer told the court that the accused, a single man who worked in a shop, had led a "well-balanced and unremarkable life" up to this point.

Impact on victim

A prison sentence was inevitable after the conviction but he added that Bell would find it difficult to bear, given his background.

Lord Philip said: "It is depressing that someone of your good work record and background has been found guilty of a crime such as this."

The judge also said that the rape had had a "significant effect" on the victim's psychological health.

Bell's name is to be added to the sex offenders' register.