Party sex offender jailed for 7 years
A man who raped sleeping women at parties has been jailed for seven years.
Justin Lovell was found guilty of two rapes and a sex attack at parties in Edinburgh.
One victim was targeted on her birthday night out, another was giving a party at the flat she shared with her boyfriend, and the third was at a New Year party.
Lovell, 25, was acquainted with all the women.
His crimes, which happened over two years, came to light after a 19-year-old who woke to find him attacking her went to police.
Sentencing Lovell at the High Court in Livingston, judge Lord Ericht said: “The victims were your friends, or known to you. When they fell asleep through tiredness and alcohol, you took advantage of them.
“You continue to deny guilt and do not take responsibility for what you have done. I consider there is no alternative to a lengthy custodial disposal.”
Detective Constable Richard Johnston of Edinburgh’s Protection Unit praised the women for their courage in helping to secure Lovell’s conviction.
He said: “Their bravery and continued assistance means he cannot carry out further crimes against women as he serves a custodial sentence.
“Justin Lovell has shown himself to be an opportunistic predator, who targeted woman while they were at their most vulnerable and left them deeply traumatised as a result of these attacks.”