Man jailed for raping schoolgirl

Jason Middleton has been placed on the sex offenders register

A man has been jailed for four years for raping a schoolgirl who later gave birth to his child.

Jason Middleton, 19, from Grangemouth, attacked the youngster while he was supposed to be looking after her.

The victim had her baby girl adopted and has tried to commit suicide a number of times.

Middleton had admitted raping the youngster on one occasion in West Lothian in September 2005. He has been placed on the sex offenders register.

He will also be supervised for two years after his release.

Judge Rita Rae QC described the case as "tragic" and told the High Court in Glasgow that it was with "regret" that a jail sentence had to be imposed.

She told Middleton: "You would appear to have fairly entrenched views on violence and about drug and alcohol abuse.

"You have used this to excuse your actions and you also appear to blame the complainer for instigating sexual contact."

'Highly dysfunctional'

Middleton, from Kerse Road, Grangemouth, initially told the police he had not had any sexual contact with the girl.

DNA was later taken from the accused and the child confirming that he was the father.

The court was told that Middleton, who was considered to be at a high risk of re-offending, was brought up in a "desperate, depressing and highly dysfunctional family situation".

Richard Goddard, defending, asked for an alternative to jail, adding that Middleton would benefit from "considerable psychological input".

Judge Rae said that due to Middleton's attitude, the effect on the girl and the absence of any other realistic options, prison had to be imposed.