In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Robert Kennedy, then 44, was found dead in HMP Barlinnie while serving a seven-year sentence for the rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl. On 19 February 2026, the former commercial boat skipper was pronounced dead at the Glasgow prison, with his death now subject to a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI). The court reported that Kennedy was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow in August 2024 for a “vicious and predatory” attack on a highly vulnerable child.
The investigation established that in September 2021, Kennedy forced the victim to consume alcohol and “street Valium” (Etizolam) before raping her in a car park in Merkland Street, Glasgow. Police Scotland reported that at the time of the offence, the defendant was already subject to two bail orders and awaiting sentencing for another crime involving a hypodermic needle. The prosecution reported that Kennedy’s actions caused “incalculable” damage to the survivor, highlighting his status as a high-risk predator toward lone females in Glasgow.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Kennedy had a “significant and enduring” history of offending. The High Court in Glasgow heard how he targeted the schoolgirl despite not knowing her, using drugs and alcohol to facilitate the assault. The prosecution reported that his pre-sentencing report confirmed he presented a high risk of harm, particularly to vulnerable women and children. Lord Arthurson noted that the defendant’s conduct was “abhorrent” and that he had shown a complete disregard for the safety of others in Glasgow.
The judge noted that Kennedy’s seven-year custodial term was a necessary response to the severity of the rape. For his actions in Glasgow, the defendant was told that his criminality was “vile” and demonstrated a long-term pattern of dangerous behaviour. As of February 2026, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) confirmed that the matter has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal, with an FI to be held in due course to establish the circumstances of his death in HMP Barlinnie, Glasgow.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Scotland, Robert Kennedy was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Seven years in prison (terminated upon death in custody).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow following a rape conviction.
- Criminal Record: Convicted of rape and previously involved in hypodermic needle offences.
- Professional Status: Former commercial boat skipper.
- Origin: Glasgow.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Prior to his death, Kennedy was managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of oversight. Due to the “vicious and predatory” nature of his sexual violence in Glasgow, his management within the prison estate was subject to the most stringent monitoring by the Scottish Prison Service.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Kennedy would have remained subject to notification requirements for the remainder of his life if he had completed his sentence. Authorities state that his history of drugging and raping a child necessitated that he remained under life-long surveillance. Following his death in HMP Barlinnie, Glasgow, the FAI will investigate any factors contributing to the fatality, ensuring that legal protocols for deaths in custody are strictly followed in Scotland.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.