Former medical student jailed for five years for raping young woman

A former medical student at University of Glasgow has been jailed for five years for the rape of a young woman.

Daniel McFarlane, 23 years old, would “prey” on his victim at her flat in Finnieston, Glasgow between December 2017 and February 2018, the Daily Record reports.

McFarlane sent text messages to a friend where he admitted to having done “despicable things” before urging his friend to delete the messages, claiming to jurors the texts were “false admissions”.

McFarlane told jurors he “regretted” sending the texts, saying in court: “I was just trying to pacify them. They were saying ‘you are a terrible person’ and I was saying ‘yes, just leave me alone’.”

McFarlane was confronted by a friend about his actions to which he replied: “I did not rape her again.”

In another series of messages, his victim said to McFarlane: “You cannot keep doing stuff like that. I cannot keep forgiving you for the things you have done to me.”

An amateur athlete, McFarlane once attacked after returning from a competition in Sheffield.

On Friday, McFarlane was jailed for five years having been convicted of two charges of rape and one charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice following a trial at the Glasgow High Court. McFarlane received a lesser sentence due to his age.

His lawyer Lorenzo Alonzi told the sentencing McFarlane continues to deny wrongdoing.

McFarlane has now been put on the sex offenders list for an indefinite time period meaning he will never be able to qualify as a doctor.

Judge Lord Scott said: “What makes your conduct even more deplorable and puzzling is you had a supportive childhood and were a useful member of society with a bright future ahead of you.

“I have read the victim impact statement which describes at the time, since and the continuing impact on her and her attempted suicide. Your long term damage is unknown but may continue to be significant for the victim.

“Having regard to all the circumstances in this case and the gravity of these charges a custodial sentence is appropriate.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story contact Refuge on their free 24/7 helpline 0808 2000 247 or contact Rape Crisis online for a free confidential chat helpline.

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