Hawick man who raped young woman while she slept is sentenced
Last updated 23rd Jun 2023
A Hawick man who raped a young woman while she was sleeping, and unable to give consent, has today (Friday) been jailed for seven years.
Kieran Beck had denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The 25-year-old has also been convicted of eight further crimes including sexual assault, assault, and abusive behaviour, involving two other women.
The offences were committed in the Scottish Borders between August 2013 and October 2021, when he was aged between 15 and 23.
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The court heard Beck, who began offending while he was still at school, had a troubled upbringing and had previously served four custodial sentences.
But his defence counsel, Victoria Young, said he is motivated to address his behaviour following the death of his child while in custody.
In addition to the jail sentence, which was back-dated to October 2021 when he was first remanded, Beck - who appeared via a video-link from prison - was also ordered to serve a further three years under supervision in the community on his release.
Judge Lord Arthurson also placed him on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
READ MORE: Man charged with sexually assaulting woman at Hawick primary school
Commenting on the case, Detective Inspector Frank Keegan, of Police Scotland, said: “We acknowledge the sentencing of Beck who will now face the consequences of his deplorable behaviour.
“Police Scotland is committed to tackling domestic abuse and sexual offences to ensure the safety of individuals and communities.
“Cases such as this serve as a good example that there is no time limit on when you can report these crimes.
“A thorough investigation will always be conducted, no matter how long ago the incidents occurred and we will do all we can to bring perpetrators of such offences to justice.
“Anyone with any concerns or information can report them to police by calling 101 or calling Crimestoppers, where anonymity can be obtained, on 0800 555 111.”
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