Hugh and Cameron Mullen: Perthshire father and son jailed for raping 16-year-old girl

A Horrific Crime Unveiled: Father and Son Sentenced for Rape of 16-Year-Old Girl

In a deeply disturbing case, a father and son have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the rape of a 16-year-old girl, who was left intoxicated and vulnerable. Hugh Mullen, 42, and his son Cameron Mullen, 21, were found guilty of repeatedly raping the teenager during an incident in April 2023. The attack occurred at a house in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, after the pair met the girl in Perth city centre and took advantage of her intoxicated state. Both men denied any wrongdoing but were convicted following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Hugh was sentenced to nine years in prison, while Cameron received an extended sentence of seven-and-a-half years, with five-and-a-half years behind bars and two years on licence upon release.

Judge Lord Lake, who presided over the case, described the victim as "young, very drunk, and unable to look after herself," emphasizing that the perpetrators had exploited her vulnerable condition. The court heard harrowing details of the assault, including the fact that the girl had passed out and awoke to find Hugh raping her. Lord Lake further revealed that both men had watched each other commit the crime, subjecting the victim to a prolonged and terrifying ordeal. The judge also highlighted the lasting impact of the attack on the girl, stating that her suffering continued long after the incident and remained significant.

The Attack and Its Aftermath: A Victim Left Traumatized

The incident unfolded when the girl, who had been socialising with friends, was approached by the Mullens in Perth city centre. She recalled being helped off a bus by the pair, who claimed she was Cameron’s sister when the driver expressed concern for her well-being. The girl was taken to a house in Blairgowrie, where she passed out. When she regained consciousness, she found herself being raped by Hugh. The court heard that both Hugh and Cameron had taken turns assaulting her, with each man watching as the other committed the crime.

In the aftermath of the attack, the victim was so distressed that she refused assistance from others. Police ultimately had to restrain her for her own safety. The trial also revealed that the girl’s suffering did not end with the attack. A victim impact statement presented to the court detailed the ongoing and significant consequences she had endured, including emotional trauma and psychological distress. Judge Lord Lake stressed that the gravity of the offence warranted severe punishment, given the vulnerability of the victim and the predatory nature of the perpetrators.

Justice Served: Prison Terms and Long-Term Consequences for the Perpetrators

Hugh and Cameron Mullen faced severe consequences for their crimes. Hugh was sentenced to nine years in prison, while Cameron received an extended sentence of seven-and-a-half years, with five-and-a-half years to be served behind bars and two years on licence upon release. Both men were also added to the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, a measure aimed at protecting the public and preventing future offences. Additionally, Cameron was banned from contacting the victim for 15 years.

The sentencing marked the culmination of a trial during which Hugh had maintained his innocence, even expressing shock at the guilty verdict. However, the evidence presented in court left no doubt about the duo’s guilt. Hugh was further convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice, having made false claims to police in Dundee the day after the assault. Despite his denials, the jury found him complicit in the crime, and the judge dismissed his assertions as baseless.

A Call for Justice: Authorities and Community React to the Verdict

Detective Constable Murray Scott, who led the investigation, welcomed the sentences, describing the Mullens’ actions as "despicable." He emphasized that the perpetrators would now face the consequences of their crimes, a sentiment echoed by the judge and law enforcement officials. The case has sparked widespread outrage and sadness in the community, with many expressing concern over the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly young people. The verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and accountability in cases of sexual violence.

The Mullens’ sentencing also highlights the need for greater awareness and support for victims of sexual assault. The girl’s ordeal underscores the importance of ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected and that perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their actions. As the community grapples with the implications of this case, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual violence and the need for collective efforts to prevent such crimes in the future.