A 15-year-old boy who raped a girl at knifepoint claimed he cannot remember the attack due to being intoxicated through alcohol and cannabis.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, assaulted his 16-year-old victim at a play park just days before Christmas last year.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how the boy, who was unknown to the girl, held a knife to her neck and demanded she remove her clothing.
He then took intimate photographs of her before raping her.
The girl, who had earlier gone into a supermarket to buy dinner, returned to the store to raise the alarm after the attack.
The serious sexual assault occurred in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, on 23 December 2023.
The boy pleaded guilty to rape at proceedings last month.
On Wednesday, judge Lady Poole heard how the victim continues to suffer from psychological and physical injuries.
The judge said: “She still lives in fear of males. She did not deserve to have this happen to her.
“The offence is so serious and of such a nature that custody is the only way of dealing with you.”
The boy was handed an extended sentence, with five years and three months in jail and three years on licence once released back into the community.
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Lili Prais KC, defending, told the court that a background report made for “difficult reading”.
She claimed her client started drinking from a young age and had suffered a “chaotic and adverse” childhood.
He was also assessed as having a low cognitive function and had received a “sporadic” education.
Ms Prais agreed with Lady Poole when the judge observed that this did not provide an “excuse” for the boy’s offending behaviour.
The lawyer added: “He cannot remember the event due to intoxication of alcohol and cannabis.
“He has taken responsibility for his actions. He has pleaded guilty. He is utterly ashamed.”
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The boy was also placed on the sex offenders’ register and has been banned from contacting his victim.
Addressing the boy’s parents who were in court, Lady Poole said: “You have an important part to play in his rehabilitation. He is in this court because he has done something that is terrible.
“However, it is important for you to play your part in helping him turn his life around.”
