Glasgow man found guilty of raping a teenager, who later took her own life
The 19-year old was so haunted by the ordeal at the hands of James Elder that she killed herself months later
A rapist attacked a teenage girl who tragically took her own life months later. James Elder pounced on the 19 year-old at his flat in Glasgow's Parkhead in September 2016. The hysterical victim later tearfully confessed to her mother what happened.
Haunted by her ordeal, the young woman committed suicide at her home in the city's southside in December 2016. But, she had bravely spoken to police shortly after the rape - and her statement naming Elder as the attacker was read to jurors.
She has now got justice from beyond the grave after the 43 year-old was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
The victim's family sobbed and hugged one another as verdict was announced.
There was also a cry of “yes”. They were too upset to comment afterwards.
Ex-waiter Elder - who denied rape - now faces a lengthy jail-term when he is sentenced next month.
The teenager had ended up at his flat after walking out the family home following a row. She was later reported missing. The girl eventually returned with two police officers.
Describing her at that time, her mum said: “It was not the daughter I knew. She was hysterical.
“She was just confused, irritable...just all over the place.”
The mum said her daughter went on to blurt out that Elder “raped” her.
The woman told the jury: “She kneeled beside me and started crying.
“She put her head onto my lap. I just grabbed her. I put my arms around her and gave her a cuddle. I wish I could do that now.”
Jurors had been told at the start of the trial that the girl took her own life in late December 2016.
Callous Elder wept and dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief when the grim information was read out.
But, despite initially being too traumatised to give a statement, the girl spoke to police the day after the rape.
The trial was read her harrowing account by one of the officers who met with her.
The girl recalled being at Elder's home that night and claimed three further men were also there.
She told police the attack happened after one of the other individuals tried to kiss her before Elder struck.
The victim stated: “I was being held down by my arms and he was having sex with me.”
She said the attack lasted 10 minutes, but “seemed like forever”.
The girl recalled at one point “slapping” out in a bid to get away.
She added to police: “I remember feeling disgusting.”
The trial heard the girl had initially ended up in hospital shortly after the rape when her mum caught her swallowing tablets.
The teenager's mum often became emotional during her own testimony.
Asked was she fine to continue, the defiant witness replied: “I am never going to be alright, but carry on.
“I just want to get justice. I am my daughter's voice now. You will never understand until you lose a child.”
Weeks after the attack, Elder told a visitor to his home that he felt “guilty” about having sex with the teenager.
He had also apparently written a letter claiming she had been “coming on to him” and they slept together twice.
Elder told someone else he “thought” he may have had sex with her.
He then went on to chat to this person about his new vase.
After the verdict, Judge Lord Matthews told jurors: “This has been a particularly tragic case.”
Elder was remanded in custody as sentencing was adjourned for reports.