The father of a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was stalked, abducted and raped in Edinburgh city centre has described how his daughter's life has been 'totally destroyed' by the ordeal. The predator, Aaron Strachan, 21, was handed a life sentence in court on Monday after admitting the horrific attack that occurred in the early hours of 25 May 2024.
The Attack
Strachan first approached the teenage girl as she walked through the city centre. Feeling uneasy, she tried to move away towards Princes Street, but Strachan followed her and confronted her again at a bus stop, this time brandishing a knife. He forced her to a basement area on York Place, where he barricaded the doors and raped her. The entire incident was captured on CCTV, showing Strachan stalking his victim through the streets before the abduction.
Father's Account of Ongoing Trauma
Speaking to Edinburgh Live on Tuesday, the victim's father revealed the profound and lasting damage inflicted on his daughter. 'The last year for us all as a family has been really hard. She can't sleep, she was having flashbacks, she was going out at night, she was drinking and taking all sorts of drugs - possibly to block this out,' he said. 'She didn't want to live, she thought it would be better if she wasn't here anymore. She said I wish he killed me rather than me having to live like this.'
The father added that his daughter has been offered various support services but is currently unwilling to speak about the rape because it is too painful to relive. 'She is not eating, and as parents it's just so painful to see how much this has totally destroyed her life. We can't get images of our daughter scared and in pain out of our heads. She used to be so happy, and he has taken this away from her,' he said.
Family's Fundraising Efforts
To help their daughter escape the relentless memories, the family have set up an anonymous fundraiser with the aim of giving her time away from the city to try to rebuild her life. The father expressed gratitude to the police, lawyers and judge for their handling of the case, saying: 'She did unbelievably yesterday sitting in court. We just really hope she can start to rebuild her life now, hopefully we can get a break away.'
Legal Outcome and Statements
Strachan appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The exact minimum term was not immediately disclosed. Faye Cook, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, stated: 'Aaron Strachan's actions in abducting his victim before raping her were calculated, predatory, and caused profound harm. Although this type of stranger offending is rare, this conviction reflects the gravity of his crimes and the commitment of prosecutors and police to bring him to justice. Sexual violence and the use of weapons to intimidate and harm have no place in our society. We will continue to take action against perpetrators while supporting victims throughout the prosecution process.'
Additional Assaults
In addition to the rape, Strachan pleaded guilty to an assault to severe injury charge stemming from an incident in the South Bridge area of Edinburgh on the same date as the rape, 25 May 2024. He also admitted to an assault to severe injury and endangerment of life that occurred in the High Riggs area of Edinburgh on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. These other attacks further demonstrate his violent nature.
Police Response
Detective Inspector Gillian Wells, from the Child Protection Unit, described the case as 'a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out in the busy city centre area and had a profound effect on the young victim.' She added: 'I hope this sentence brings her some sense of closure. The other assaults also demonstrate what a violent individual Strachan is, with no consideration of the consequences of his actions. I would like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Strachan was quickly identified and arrested.'
Call for Victims to Come Forward
Police Scotland reiterated its commitment to tackling sexual crimes. Detective Inspector Wells encouraged any other victims to come forward: 'Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I'd encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us. We'll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.'
