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.
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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 Valentin Tica
Jun 17, 2025
On sentencing, Lord Ericht said:
"Valentin Tica you have pled guilty to rape of a thirteen year old schoolgirl. You were aged 22 at the time.
Your victim was sitting with a friend on a bench on a path near a wood and hill. You came and sat beside them. When the friend left you insisted on chumming your victim towards her home, even although she did not want you to do so. On the way you dragged her into the woods and raped her violently.
I have given careful consideration to all that has been said today on your behalf by Mr Duguid, and the Criminal Justice Social Work Report.
The report assesses you as presenting a high risk of harm. Your previous Scottish convictions are minor and not analogous. I have also had the benefit of a Victim Impact Statement from your victim’s mother which speaks eloquently of the devastating effect you have had on her daughter’s life.
I sentence you to a period of imprisonment of 8 years, of which two months in total is in respect of the breach of bail and undertaking.
The sentence will be backdated to 8 November 2023
I am satisfied it is appropriate to grant a non-harassment order in respect of your victim. Accordingly, I make such an order, specifically that you shall not by any means, either directly or indirectly including by electronic means, or via social media contact or attempt to contact her. This order will subsist for an indefinite period of time."