Johnstone carer who raped girl at children's home jailed for nine years
Denis Donnell was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday
Last updated 25th Nov 2025
A former care worker who raped a girl from a children’s home where he was a manager has been jailed for nine and a half years at the High Court in Glasgow.
Denis Donnell raped the vulnerable teenager during repeated attacks at the home in Johnstone, and in Ayrshire between December 2022 and February 2023.
The 47 year old was a care manager at the time of the offences, when he also sent her explicit photos via social media.
"You were in a position of trust"
Judge Sheena Fraser told the Donnell: "You were in a position of trust because of your employment at the care home at which the girl was placed.
"You knew how young and vulnerable she was - but yet you still targeted her.
"She became isolated and dependent on you.
“The impact on her has been significant and long lasting.
"Given your occupation, you must have known that harm would result from this behaviour."
"Thoroughly ashamed"
He initially appeared in court in February 2023, when he was banned from going near the child, however he later sent her messages and tried to approach her, resulting in him appearing at the trial from custody.
The court heard that he continued to claim he did not rape the child, but that he now realised there was “no consent”.
Allan MacLeod, defending, said Donnell was "thoroughly ashamed" and "wished he could turn the clock back".
Donnell was put on the sex offenders list and has been banned from approaching or contacting the girl - both for an indefinite period.