A 21 year old man has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for the rape of a teenage girl in Elgin in Moray.
Rapualla Ahmadze was convicted following a trial, with the offence taking place in the early hours of Sunday 4 August 2024.
The court heard that the attack occurred within the town and involved a young victim, prompting significant concern within the local community at the time.
The sentence was imposed after Ahmadze was previously found guilty, bringing the criminal proceedings to a close after months of investigation and court action.
Police said the case highlighted the seriousness of sexual violence and the lasting harm caused to victims and their families.
Detective Inspector Sam Buchan spoke following sentencing and addressed the impact of the crime on the victim and the wider public.
“Rapualla Ahmadze is a predatory individual who took advantage of a vulnerable young woman for his own gratification.
“He will now face the consequences of his actions.
“We know this was a deeply worrying incident for many people in the local area and I hope this conviction and sentence sends a strong message that sexual violence has no place in our communities.
“Police Scotland is committed to our role to help create a society where women and girls live free from violence, abuse, exploitation and harassment.
“This is also reflected in our ongoing commitment to actively pursue perpetrators of violence against women and girls and ensure they are brought to justice.
“We will continue to work with our valued partners across criminal justice, and support services, to improve the opportunities and support for women to report.
“We are committed to continually improving the service we provide, to build confidence in reporting and in policing more widely.
“Our service must be trauma informed, we will prioritise the needs of victims and survivors.”
Officers said the sentence reflects the gravity of the offence and is intended to act as a clear deterrent to others.
Police have reiterated that reports of sexual violence are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Support remains available for victims and survivors, with officers encouraging anyone affected by sexual crime to come forward when they feel able.
