A Scottish student admitted to raping a sleeping girl and was recorded saying “I have done something terrible,” leading to his imprisonment. Ethan Campbell confessed to raping the teenager while she was drunk, asleep, and unable to consent during a ‘movie night’ at a student flat. The High Court in Dundee heard that a friend of the victim recorded Campbell as he admitted to the assault. In the video, he acknowledged his actions and expressed remorse, stating, “I thought she wanted it, but she didn’t. She wasn’t in a position to consent and I went on.” This recording gave the victim the confidence to report the incident to the police two weeks later.
According to Advocate Depute David Logan, Campbell took advantage of the situation when the victim’s flatmate left them alone in the bedroom. He described how Campbell proceeded to have non-consensual sex with the girl, who woke up to find herself being raped. Campbell later sent her an apology via text message, indicating his awareness of the gravity of his actions. Despite being described as a vulnerable young man, Campbell understood the consequences of his actions, as stated by his solicitor Advocate Jim Keegan KC. He is currently remanded in prison and awaits sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The case highlights the importance of consent and the severe consequences of sexual assault. It serves as a reminder of the need for increased awareness and education surrounding consent, particularly in university settings. Reporting such incidents and holding perpetrators accountable are crucial steps towards ensuring justice for survivors and prevention of such heinous acts in the future.