Man attacked and raped woman having epileptic seizure

A man attacked and raped a woman who was having an epileptic seizure.

Paul Zarb, 64, preyed on the victim after she suffered a fit and was unable to consent to sex.

Zarb, of Kelty, Fife, had denied raping the woman during a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh but was convicted of the offence by a majority verdict of a jury.

He assaulted the woman at an address in Fife on August 27, 2023, while she was having a seizure and was incapable of consenting and raped her.

A judge told him: “The jury clearly accepted that she was still in the effects of an epileptic seizure and was in no position to consent. The logical consequence of that is your actions were cowardly.”

Judge Alistair Watson said Zarb had no previous criminal record other than a minor road traffic offence.

The distressed woman made contact with a helpline after the offence and appeared tearful and in an emotional state during the call.

Zarb also sent the woman a text message in which he told her: “I am truly sorry.”

The judge deferred sentence on Zarb for the preparation of a background report and told him: “In the meantime, given the gravity of this matter, you will be remanded in custody.”

Zarb was placed on the sex offenders’ register, and his conviction will be notified to Scottish Ministers under legislation designed to protect vulnerable groups.

He is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on October 24.