Description
A 28-year-old man has been jailed for nine years for raping a teenager at a music festival in Edinburgh.
James Leckie inflicted 48 separate injuries on the 16-year-old girl at the Fly event in Princes Street Gardens on 16 September 2023.
The court heard that Leckie, then 25, met the girl for the first time at the festival, led her into a wooded area, threatened violence, and raped her.
He was convicted at trial last month, where police testified he made derogatory remarks about women while detained.
Faye Cook, procurator fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: "The prosecution presented compelling evidence that proved this man's guilt and exposed the deeply misogynistic views he holds.
"James Leckie has been held accountable for subjecting this young woman to an opportunistic and predatory attack at a busy music festival.
"She had every right to be safe while enjoying a night out with friends but instead endured a harrowing ordeal at the hands of this rapist."
Leckie, of Musselburgh, denied guilt and claimed consent, but jurors rejected this defense.
The teenager, who had traveled from Dundee with friends and been drinking, initially kissed Leckie, but he turned violent, seizing her by the hair and throat before raping her.
She escaped but was chased and caught by Leckie, who continued the attack until event security intervened and led her to safety.
Judge Thomas Welsh KC said: "You were convicted on the basis that you acted in a predatory manner and took advantage of a vulnerable teenager.
"The harm you have done is incalculable."
First-time offender Leckie, who also admitted drinking, claimed the girl approached him and consented, but forensic evidence supported her account.
Leckie was also convicted of threatening and abusive behavior toward two officers, including racist and homophobic comments.
Defense lawyer David Taylor said Leckie was "devastated" by the verdict.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and a non-harassment order bans him from contacting the victim.