Serial offender jailed 10 years for raping woman in Dundee hospital

Matthew Edgerton, 33, was sentenced at the High Court in Livingston for raping and abusing a woman over more than two years. The offences included an attack at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Serial criminal sentenced to 10 years for rape and abuse at Dundee hospital

A serial criminal has been jailed for 10 years after sexually assaulting a woman while she was a patient in hospital, bbc.co.uk reports.

Matthew Edgerton, 33, was sentenced at the High Court in Livingston after being found guilty of abusive behaviour, two counts of rape, sexual assault by penetration, and causing a person to be present while engaging in sexual activity.

A court heard that Edgerton subjected the woman to repeated physical and sexual abuse over a period of more than two years, between 2021 and 2023, at various addresses across Tayside — including Dundee's Ninewells Hospital.

Judge Lady Ross described the circumstances of the hospital attack as "revolting to any person with any sense of empathy or decency." She told Edgerton that his victim should have been safe in his company and deserved respect, adding: "She wasn't safe with you, and you did not respect her."

Lady Ross said Edgerton had subjected the woman to violent and degrading physical abuse, threatening and frightening her throughout the period of offending. "It's clear that you have a poor understanding of the concept of consent in sexual relationships, and there seems to be no real respect for women," the judge said.

During the trial, the court was told that Edgerton controlled the woman's social life and monitored her mobile phone. He spat on her face and body, strangled her by compressing her neck, and struck her head against a wall, a kitchen worktop, and a cupboard door, causing her injury.

Defence counsel Jim Stephenson acknowledged that Edgerton, who has a lengthy criminal record for serious offences committed in both England and Scotland, appreciated the gravity of the charges. Stephenson cited difficulties stemming from his client's upbringing and raised concerns about Edgerton's alcohol and drug use.

Following his release from prison, Edgerton will be supervised for three years and will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely. He is also subject to a non-harassment order prohibiting him from contacting his victim for an indefinite period.

Source: The Sun