Kieran Edwards

Kieran Edwards, a 28-year-old former funfair worker from Dundee, was convicted of sexual assault after targeting a vulnerable woman in the early hours of 12 February near Dudhope Park. The incident occurred under the cover of darkness, with Edwards dressed in dark clothing and wearing a face covering as he preyed upon his victim, who was walking home after taking sleeping medication and arguing with her partner.

According to court proceedings at Dundee Sheriff Court, Edwards followed the woman after observing her near the junction of Arbroath Road and Albert Street. As she approached Dudhope Park, close to her father's home, he touched her indecently, pulled at her, placed his arm around her chest, and threw her to the ground when she kicked out in resistance. The woman later provided pre-recorded evidence, stating emphatically, 'No, you know when somebody touches your body. You never forget it, you never forget where his hands were. Medication or not, I’m not going to forget.' Extensive CCTV footage from the area, including a security camera at the Women's Aid base, captured Edwards running unmasked down Blinshall Street after the attack, which ultimately led to his identification by police.

• Edwards denied the charges during his trial, claiming he was attempting to help the woman and that she had tried to take his wallet.
• He further testified that he was spooked by voices in the park and believed he was being chased.
• Footage from his own Ring doorbell at his Dens Road home showed him returning after the assault and later leaving in different clothing to visit a petrol station.

The jury rejected Edwards' account and found him guilty under deletion from the charge of the words 'intent to rape'. Sentencing occurred via video link from HMP Perth, following preparation of a social work report. Sheriff Alastair Carmichael described the behaviour as 'predatorial' and stated, 'There is no reasonable alternative to a custodial sentence.' Edwards, who maintains his innocence and has family support, has a prior criminal history, including a 27-month custodial sentence in 2017 for a stun gun assault in Arbroath and narrowly avoiding prison in 2019 for involvement in a £5,000 pub raid.

The court imposed a 30-month prison sentence, backdated to 21 February, along with indefinite placement on the sex offenders register and a five-year non-harassment order. Defence counsel Jonathan Crowe highlighted Edwards' ongoing support from his partner and parents despite the conviction. The case was reported by The Courier, drawing on court footage and witness statements for its details.