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 Owen McLaren

Oct 16, 2025

At the High Court in Glasgow Lord Summers imposed a 9 years extended sentence on Owen McLaren after the offender was convicted of rape and indecent assault

On sentencing Lord Summers made the following remarks in court:

"Owen McLaren, you have been unanimously convicted of three charges. In charge 2 you were convicted of the indecent assault a girl in 2009. In charges 3 and 4 you were convicted of the rape of of a girl in the period 2018 to 2019. She was aged at that time between 13 and 14 years of age.

I propose to sentence these crimes in cumulo.

In passing sentence, I note that you are 41 years of age.

You have a number of previous convictions, but they are non-analogous and I have disregarded them.

There are some aggravating features in this case. The victims in each case were young and in one case very young. I also take account of the fact that you were in a relationship of trust with the complainers.

I have read the victim impact statement from one of the complainers and acknowledge the impact these crimes have had on her.

Given the gravity of your crimes, I will pronounce an extended sentence of 9 years. This will compose of a custodial portion of seven years and a 2-year extension period. It seems to me in light of the whole evidence that you pose a risk to younger women and as a result I consider for the protection of the public you should remain under post-release supervision for a two-year period.

This sentence will take effect from the date you were remanded.

I will make the usual order under the Vulnerable Groups legislation and place you on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

I will pronounce a non-harassment order for a period of 20 years.