Brad Pitt body double actor Luke Ford has been sentenced to jail in what is being termed Scotland’s first “stealthing” rape case. Luke Ford, who hails from Stirling, was convicted on 19 charges, including deceiving his partner into thinking he used a condom during intercourse. This case marks a significant milestone in Scottish law as it is the first prosecution of its kind under Scots law. Apart from rape offences, Ford was also found guilty of violence, sexual assault, threats, and abuse.
In a trial held at the High Court in Edinburgh on December 18, the 35-year-old actor was given a 21-year extended sentence, with 16 years to be served in custody. Additionally, Ford has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. His crimes spanned over 12 years, from 2008 to 2020, with nine female victims coming forward with allegations against him. One victim, who was in a brief relationship with Ford, handed him a condom before intercourse, only to later discover that he had not used it, causing her immense distress.
During the trial, Ford claimed to be a jobbing actor and even mentioned working as a stand-in for Brad Pitt on the set of the 2013 film, World War Z, which had scenes shot in Glasgow. Several victims detailed Ford’s manipulative and controlling behaviour, leading to isolation from their support networks and heightened fear for their safety. Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, condemned Ford’s lack of respect for his victims’ consent, highlighting his use of manipulation, force, and threats to commit the abuse.
Parkes praised the victims for their courage and called for others who may have experienced similar offences to come forward and seek justice. The prosecution of Ford signifies a step towards enhancing how sexual offences are addressed, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. The sentencing serves as a beacon of hope for the victims affected by these grievous crimes, encouraging others to speak out against such misconduct and seek support.
In conclusion, the legal proceedings against Luke Ford shed light on the importance of consent and respect within intimate relationships. The case underscores the need for stringent measures to tackle sexual offences and provide justice for survivors. Victims of such abuses are urged to speak out, report their ordeals, and seek assistance to prevent further instances of harm.