Teenager sentenced to five years at a Young Offenders Institution for rape of young girl

A teenager who displayed an 'abject lack of empathy' by raping a drunk 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to five years detention at a Young Offenders Institution.

John McDermott, 18, raped the female, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at a house in Knightswood, Glasgow, on November 29 2015.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard on Friday how McDermott attacked his victim after she had consumed large amounts of vodka.

The girl was unable to give her consent when McDermott removed her clothing and lay on top of her prior to having sex.

The story emerged when McDermott, also of Knightswood, Glasgow, appeared for sentencing on Friday before judge Craig Scott QC.

The pervert had been convicted at a trial at the High Court in Glasgow earlier this year and sentence had been adjourned for the judge to obtain reports about McDermott's character.

On Friday, defence advocate Tony Graham told judge Scott that his client had suffered bereavement in his life.

Mr Graham added: "He has lost both his father and his sister."

Passing sentence, Judge Scott told McDermott that he had no other option but to impose a custodial sentence.

He added: "You did not take into account the psychological and emotional impact that your actions would have on your victim.

"You have showed an abject lack of empathy towards the complainer in this case. You may, in the fullness of time, come to appreciate the consequence that your actions have had on the young woman in this case.

"However, an offence of this nature can only be marked by the imposition of a custodial sentence."

McDermott will serve his sentence at YOI Polmont in Stirlingshire.