In 2020, the Offender Database reported that Craig Higgins, then 37, was sentenced to nine years in prison at the High Court in Glasgow, Lanarkshire. Higgins was convicted of two counts of rape committed eight years apart in Stevenston, North Ayrshire.
The investigation by Police Scotland established a “vile” pattern of predatory behaviour:
- 2010 Offence: Higgins sneaked into a woman’s bedroom in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, while she was in a “vulnerable state” and raped her.
- 2018 Offence: He was witnessed leading an intoxicated woman from a taxi to the graveyard of St John’s Church, Stevenston, North Ayrshire, where he committed a second rape.
“Despicable Attitude” and Judicial Findings
Higgins, who had a previous conviction for sexual exposure, “arrogantly” denied the charges and attempted to “demean” his victims during the trial by accusing them of lying. Judge Lady Rae emphasised that the only person lying was Higgins and blasted his “despicable attitude” towards women, whom he viewed merely as “objects.”
The court heard that Higgins had “boasted of his sexual exploits,” further highlighting his “vicious” lack of remorse. The 2018 churchyard attack provided the “critical” evidence needed to finally bring him to justice for the historical 2010 assault.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his “abhorrent” crimes in North Ayrshire, Craig Higgins was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Nine years in immediate custody.
- Extended Supervision: An additional three-year period of monitoring upon his release due to the “danger” he poses.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for life.
- Indefinite Restriction: His history of “persistent” sexual offending led to strict post-release conditions.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Higgins is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland. His history of “systematic” attacks on vulnerable women in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, means his status remains under “critical” scrutiny.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Higgins must comply with strict notification requirements regarding his address and any travel. Police Scotland states that the three-year extended supervision order is a “critical” tool to ensure public safety upon his eventual release. Any breach of his registration conditions or supervision terms will result in his immediate return to the High Court.
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