Rapist sent victim flowers and apology card after attacking sleeping woman

A man who sent his victim flowers and an apology card after subjecting her to rape has been warned that he faces a jail sentence.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Alistair Ross, 43, told the woman that he had “f***ed up beyond belief and was truly sorry”.

Ross admitted to assaulting the woman on March 3, 2024, while she was asleep and incapable of consenting, removing her underwear and raping her.

A judge told him that he had pleaded guilty to “a serious crime” in carrying out the rape of the sleeping woman.

Lady Haldane said: “You must understand the only possible disposal is a custodial one.”

The court heard that the woman visited Ross at his home in Dunbar, East Lothian, but was taking medication which has a sedative effect.

She went to bed and fell asleep. She recalled waking to find Ross penetrating her, but went back to sleep before she woke again in similar circumstances.

The court heard that each time she was unable to speak because of the effects of the medication. When she later awoke, she realised she did not have her underwear on.

The woman later disclosed what had happened to her family doctor and a support worker.

Ross sent her flowers and a card, but she told him not to contact her again and asked him never to do that to anyone else.

Police were later contacted, and Ross claimed that he woke up to find that he had sexually penetrated the woman and realised she was asleep and stopped.

Defence counsel Neil Beardmore said that Ross does have some psychiatric issues.

Lady Haldane said that, as Ross has never previously served a term of imprisonment, she was required to obtain a background report on him before sentencing.

She adjourned the sentence on him for a report and remanded him in custody. Ross was placed on the sex offenders’ register.