Army cadet jailed for Stirlingshire school rape

An army cadet who raped a teenage girl at a school has been locked up for three years.

Glenn Riddell was put behind bars despite a lengthy plea by his lawyer not to.

Riddell pounced on the then 17 year-old one evening at Bannockburn High School, Stirlingshire in November 2016.

The High Court in Glasgow heard a clutch of testimonials had been written in support of the 18 year-old sex attacker.

This included from an army major, a school principal teacher and a firm of lawyers.

But, Judge Graeme Buchanan told Riddell – found guilty of rape last month – that custody was the only “appropriate” sentence.

He told the teenager: “You have been convicted of a very serious offence which involved a nasty attack on your victim.

“It must be a matter of great shock to your family that you have ended up in this situation - convicted of rape at the high court.”

Riddell, of Stirling, was placed on the sex offenders list indefinitely.

The young rapist – whose family have a military background – mouthed “I love you” to weeping relatives as he was handcuffed to the cells.

The victim had earlier been out with a friend before the rape.

She later ended up with Riddell at the school before being attacked.

The court was told the effect of her ordeal had been “long lasting”.

Riddell's advocate said it was “one of these exceptional cases” where an “alternative to custody” was an option.

Drew McKenzie, defending, said the attack was “utterly out of character” for the teenager.

He added Riddell had been with the army cadets since the age of 12 and been promoted to corporal.

The lawyer told Judge Buchanan of a number of references written on Riddell's behalf following his conviction last month.

This included a testimonial from a major with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The court heard a senior teacher from a local high school described the young sex attacker as “charming” and “caring”.

An un-named firm of solicitors also wrote a letter of support after he carried out a work placement with them.

Mr McKenzie said the rape conviction had ended Riddell's hopes of a career in the military.

Sentencing, Judge Buchanan added Riddell had “took advantage” of his victim