SENTENCING STATEMENTS

A judge may decide to publish a statement after passing sentence on an offender in cases where there is particular public interest; where a case has legal significance; or where providing the reasons for the decision might assist public understanding.

Please note that statements may include graphic details of offences when it is necessary to fully explain the reasons behind a sentencing decision.

Once charges are spent, any statement in relation to them is removed and cannot be provided or acknowledged. Statements published before the launch of the website may be available on request. Please email judicialcomms@scotcourts.gov.uk.

The independence of the judiciary is essential to safeguard people’s rights under law - enabling judges to make decisions impartially based solely on evidence and law, without interference or influence from the government or politicians.

When deciding a sentence, a judge must deal with the offence that the offender has been convicted of, taking into account the unique circumstances of each particular case. The judge will carefully consider the facts that are presented to the Court by both the prosecution and by the defence.

For more information about how judges decide sentences; what sentences are available; and matters such as temporary release, see the independent Scottish Sentencing Council website .

Read more about victims of crime and sentencing.

HMA v Zineelabbine Abbood

Jul 16, 2024

At the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Welsh KC sentenced Zineelabbine Abbood to 5 years' imprisonment after the offender was convicted of rape. Abbood was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Please be aware this statement contains graphic details of the offences which people may find distressing.

On sentencing, Judge Welsh said:

"Zineelabbine Abood I have listened carefully to everything said by your counsel and I have read the contents of the Criminal Justice Social Work Report (CJSWR). Everything that could have been said, was said on your behalf.

You have been convicted by the jury of a very serious offence, you assaulted the complainer, forced her to masturbate you, forced yourself on her sexually and you raped her by penetrating her mouth with your penis without her consent.

You continue to deny your guilt and have shown no remorse. The report states that you have shown no insight or empathy with regards to your victim’s feelings.

The damage you have done is incalculable.

I have considered the non-custodial options mentioned in the CJSWR but you crossed a line and custody is inevitable.

I take into account your previous good character, your age at the time of committing the offence and what is described in the CJSWR as your 'emotional immaturity'.

I impose a custodial sentence of 5 years' imprisonment.

You will be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely."