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 Logan Dignan

Jun 26, 2026

At the High Court in Livingston today, Judge Susan Craig imposed an extended sentence of 7 years on Logan Dignan. The offender must serve a 5 year prison term with a further 2 years on licence in the community. Following a trial, he was found guilty of physical and sexual violence. Dignan has been issued with non-harassment orders and added to the sex offenders register.

On sentencing, Judge Craig made the following comments:

"You were found guilty by a jury after trial of a course of abusive behaviour towards your partner – including physical and sexual violence of the worst order - over a period of two and a half years. Your crimes were aggravated by the fact that elements of them took place in the presence of a very young child, and some when you had already been placed on bail. These aggravations will be reflected in the sentence I will impose today.

It was clear from the evidence at trial that although both you and your victim were very young adults at the time that you carried out a course of appalling behaviour against her, which included controlling her, monitoring her, locking her in her home while you were out and isolating her from those who could have supported her had you not prevented her from having contact with her.

You also used considerable violence – both physical and sexual – against your victim, and it was clear from the evidence that she lived in fear of you.

In determining sentence, I have had regard to all that was said on your behalf, your young age, both at the time and now as well as the lack of any criminal convictions and that there are no other matters outstanding.

I have also had regard to the Justice Social Work report prepared for this morning’s hearing which confirms your position at trial – that you deny the offences and do not accept responsibility for them. The report suggests that as a result there is some uncertainty about the factors that contributed to your offending and the risk they may pose in the future. It does however describe a sustained pattern of abuse designed to exert power and control over your victim as well as evidence of severe intimate partner violence which is likely to have had a significant and enduring impact on her. That is consistent with the evidence I heard.

In terms of your background, the report highlights a number of challenges you had as a young child and adverse experience you encountered. It also flags drug and alcohol misuse which may have contributed to your behaviour.

On the question of risk, the report assesses that you are at risk of further offending because of your denial of the majority of the offences, minimisation of your behaviour, limited victim empathy, poor insight into coercive and controlling behaviour, and

ongoing substance misuse concerns. That risk could be mitigated by post release monitoring, indicating an extended sentence would be appropriate.

In arriving at a sentence, I have had regard to the relevant sentencing guidelines, including the young person’s guidelines which, when taken together, require that I balance the need to protect the public, punish offenders and mark the court’s disapproval of behaviour such as yours, alongside issues of rehabilitation and the opportunity to make amends. In your case although you have no other criminal convictions, given the totality of your behaviour only a custodial sentence is appropriate.

I am also satisfied that given the assessed level of risk the normal period of licence would not be adequate to protect the public from the risk of serious harm you present. I will therefore impose an extended sentence.

Taking all of these factors into account – and in particular your age - the custodial element of the sentence will be 5 years – 6 months of which relates to the child aggravation and 6 months to the bail aggravation - with an extension period of two years, making the overall sentence 7 years backdated to the date of your remand on 15 May 2026.

The Crown seeks a Non-Harassment Order in relation to your victim and that is not opposed by you.

Accordingly in relation to your victim you will not, for an indefinite period contact, approach or communicate with, or attempt to contact, approach or communicate with them, by any means either directly or indirectly.

You will remain subject to the notification requirements applicable to sex offenders for an indefinite period, and your name will be added to the lists of persons deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups."

26 June 2026