A Perth man has been handed a significant prison sentence at the High Court in Edinburgh after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in her own home while she was unconscious. Maxwell Muirhead, 27, who previously worked in refuse collection, received a custodial term of four years and 11 months for the grave offense committed last year.
The court heard detailed accounts of the night in question, which began following an evening out in Perth city centre. The victim and a friend, after socialising, shared a taxi with Muirhead, whom they had encountered. Upon arriving at the woman’s residence in Perth, Muirhead sought permission to enter the property. Both women explicitly informed him that they were in relationships and had no romantic or sexual interest in him. He reportedly assured them that his only intention was to continue socialising, and on that basis, he was permitted entry. Events Leading to the Assault
However, once inside the home, Muirhead’s conduct caused growing unease for the women. His persistent presence, despite their discomfort, led to him being directly asked to leave. He failed to comply with these requests. The victim, attempting to de-escalate the situation and make her intentions unequivocally clear, stated she was going to walk her dog and that upon her return, she and her friend would be retiring for the night, implying Muirhead should depart. At this point, the court was informed, her tone conveyed a distinct message that his company was no longer desired.
Despite these clear signals, Muirhead inquired if he could remain and sleep on the sofa. He was explicitly granted permission to use the sofa but was strictly prohibited from entering the bedroom. The woman subsequently left to walk her dog. When she returned, she found Muirhead on the living room sofa and her friend already asleep in the bedroom. She then retired to her own bed and fell asleep. Discovery and Legal Proceedings
Tragically, her friend was later woken to discover Muirhead positioned behind the unconscious victim in her bed, engaged in sexual activity. The friend immediately reacted with shouts and demands for an explanation. Muirhead, denying any wrongdoing by stating, “I didn’t do anything,” then vacated the premises. The profound impact on the victim was evident; a relative who later spoke with her described her as being utterly “devastated” by the ordeal.
During the legal proceedings, the defence counsel noted Muirhead’s remorse, stating he was “ashamed of what he did.” It was also presented to the court that Muirhead claimed to have no recollection of the specific events that transpired in the bedroom on the evening of June 2. Despite being a first-time offender, Lady Carmichael, presiding over the case at the High Court, emphasised the extreme seriousness of the offence, deeming a custodial sentence unavoidable. Her Ladyship indicated that the sentence was reduced from an initial five-and-a-half-year term due to Muirhead’s prompt guilty plea. Lasting Impact and Community Safety
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed further measures to protect the victim and the wider community. Muirhead has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, a standard procedure for such convictions. Furthermore, a non-harassment order was issued, permanently prohibiting him from contacting, approaching, or attempting to communicate with the victim in any manner. This judgment underscores the justice system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions and safeguarding those affected by violent crime.
This distressing case serves as a stark reminder within the Perth and Kinross community about the importance of personal safety and the severe consequences of violating consent and trust, particularly within the sanctity of one’s home. The judicial outcome aims to provide some measure of justice and protection, reinforcing the message that such acts will be met with the full force of the law.
The court heard detailed accounts of the night in question, which began following an evening out in Perth city centre. The victim and a friend, after socialising, shared a taxi with Muirhead, whom they had encountered. Upon arriving at the woman’s residence in Perth, Muirhead sought permission to enter the property. Both women explicitly informed him that they were in relationships and had no romantic or sexual interest in him. He reportedly assured them that his only intention was to continue socialising, and on that basis, he was permitted entry. Events Leading to the Assault
However, once inside the home, Muirhead’s conduct caused growing unease for the women. His persistent presence, despite their discomfort, led to him being directly asked to leave. He failed to comply with these requests. The victim, attempting to de-escalate the situation and make her intentions unequivocally clear, stated she was going to walk her dog and that upon her return, she and her friend would be retiring for the night, implying Muirhead should depart. At this point, the court was informed, her tone conveyed a distinct message that his company was no longer desired.
Despite these clear signals, Muirhead inquired if he could remain and sleep on the sofa. He was explicitly granted permission to use the sofa but was strictly prohibited from entering the bedroom. The woman subsequently left to walk her dog. When she returned, she found Muirhead on the living room sofa and her friend already asleep in the bedroom. She then retired to her own bed and fell asleep. Discovery and Legal Proceedings
Tragically, her friend was later woken to discover Muirhead positioned behind the unconscious victim in her bed, engaged in sexual activity. The friend immediately reacted with shouts and demands for an explanation. Muirhead, denying any wrongdoing by stating, “I didn’t do anything,” then vacated the premises. The profound impact on the victim was evident; a relative who later spoke with her described her as being utterly “devastated” by the ordeal.
During the legal proceedings, the defence counsel noted Muirhead’s remorse, stating he was “ashamed of what he did.” It was also presented to the court that Muirhead claimed to have no recollection of the specific events that transpired in the bedroom on the evening of June 2. Despite being a first-time offender, Lady Carmichael, presiding over the case at the High Court, emphasised the extreme seriousness of the offence, deeming a custodial sentence unavoidable. Her Ladyship indicated that the sentence was reduced from an initial five-and-a-half-year term due to Muirhead’s prompt guilty plea. Lasting Impact and Community Safety
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed further measures to protect the victim and the wider community. Muirhead has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, a standard procedure for such convictions. Furthermore, a non-harassment order was issued, permanently prohibiting him from contacting, approaching, or attempting to communicate with the victim in any manner. This judgment underscores the justice system’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions and safeguarding those affected by violent crime.
This distressing case serves as a stark reminder within the Perth and Kinross community about the importance of personal safety and the severe consequences of violating consent and trust, particularly within the sanctity of one’s home. The judicial outcome aims to provide some measure of justice and protection, reinforcing the message that such acts will be met with the full force of the law.