Kerr McKenzie

An Angus man, Kerr McKenzie, has been placed on the sex offenders register following his conviction for a sickening sexual assault committed during what was described in court as a 'toxic relationship'. The 25-year-old was found guilty after trial at the High Court in Edinburgh of assaulting the woman at addresses in Carnoustie and Dundee. The charge included an element of digital penetration, marking the offence as a serious sexual assault.

The court heard that McKenzie's actions formed part of a broader campaign of domestic abuse, which involved shouting and swearing at the victim and sending her abusive messages. The relationship was characterised as highly volatile, with police being called out on multiple occasions to intervene. However, McKenzie's refusal to provide statements to the police meant that the woman involved was not prosecuted for any related offences, despite evidence suggesting mutual abuse.

During the sentencing hearing, defence agent Victoria Dow highlighted McKenzie's 'pro-social life', noting his involvement in helping at a local community garden alongside his mother. Judge Lord Ericht addressed suggestions of 'victim blaming' by McKenzie, stating: 'At trial there was credible evidence that would justify charges… (against the complainer) of domestic abuse. In the circumstances, you can’t be criticised for expressing views that (the complainer) had also been abusive.' The judge took into account that the offences occurred when McKenzie was aged between 20 and 23, applying sentencing guidelines for young offenders.

Ultimately, Lord Ericht imposed a supervision order for two years, with a condition that McKenzie participate in the Caledonian men's project, a programme designed to address issues in domestic abuse offending. McKenzie will remain on the sex offenders register for the same duration. This case underscores the complexities of abusive relationships and the judicial considerations in sentencing young offenders for serious crimes, as reported by The Courier.