Girl, 15, abducted from Edinburgh city centre bus stop then raped in basement

A 21-year-old man who abducted a 15-year-old girl at knifepoint and raped her in a basement attempted to flee from court in Edinburgh, Scotland, before being recaptured by police. The incident occurred on January 13, 2026, when Aaron Strachan, who had already pleaded guilty to rape and two assaults, tried to escape while being escorted to a prison van outside the Court of Session. Footage released by the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service showed Strachan pulling free from his handcuffs and running away. A major search was launched, and he was found several hours later in the city. His legal team described the escape as a "moment of impulsiveness," citing the belief that the cuffs were not secure enough to prevent removal of his hands. Strachan’s criminal history includes multiple violent incidents. On May 25, 2025, he approached the 15-year-old girl at a bus stop in Edinburgh city centre, wearing a balaclava. After she felt uneasy and moved toward a more populated area, Strachan followed her, eventually confronting her with a knife and forcing her to a basement. There, he blocked the entrance with wooden pallets and raped her. His DNA was found at the scene, leading to his identification. Prior to the abduction, Strachan had already committed two separate assaults, stabbing a man on the hand with a knife and hitting another with a claw hammer, both occurring within days of the rape. Following the attack, Strachan was detained by police on June 1, 2025, after fleeing from officers. He was later located hiding in shrubbery. On December 4, 2025, he pleaded guilty to rape and the assaults at the High Court in Edinburgh. His escape from custody on January 13, 2026, came after the case had been adjourned for sentencing. Despite the escape, he was quickly recaptured. On July 27, 2026, Strachan received a life sentence with a minimum term of five years in custody. The judge stated that Strachan may never be released, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, commented on the case, stating that Strachan’s actions were "calculated, predatory, and caused profound harm." She noted that although such stranger offenses are rare, the conviction underscores the seriousness of the situation and the determination of authorities to pursue justice. She also highlighted the societal rejection of sexual violence and weapon use, calling for continued efforts to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. In a separate case, Simon Levy, a 40-year-old accused of murdering two sex workers and raping another, chose not to testify in his defense. Instead, the defense called upon a pathologist to challenge the cause of death in the cases. Levy, who has a history of sexual offenses dating back to 2018, was arrested on April 1, 2025, after police discovered extensive materials related to notorious criminals, including John Worboys, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein. His home contained numerous newspaper clippings, folders detailing sexual behavior, and online research on topics ranging from Tube maps to influential figures like Andrew Tate and Donald Trump. Levy’s trial continues as he faces charges of murder, rape, and grievous bodily harm. Jurors were informed that he had committed 13 sexual offenses between 2018 and 2025, including an incident at a party in Camden and an attack at Notting Hill Carnival. While incarcerated at HMP Brixton, he also assaulted a female officer. The cause of death in the case involving Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins remains under investigation, with forensic findings suggesting possible involvement of drugs rather than direct physical force. Another case involves Derek Boyd, a 31-year-old from Dublin, who was found guilty of murder after stabbing a man to death while serving a suspended sentence for the manslaughter of his sister. The incident occurred on June 9, 2024, during a late-night argument at Boyd’s home. He inflicted fatal stab wounds on Mark Carroll, 34, and was later found in the UK. Boyd’s girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, faced charges of obstructing justice, though the jury failed to reach a verdict on those counts. Boyd will receive a life sentence, marking a significant escalation in his legal troubles.