At the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday (19 November 2025), a man was found guilty of a serious sexual assault.
James Leckie, 27, was convicted of assaulting and raping a 16-year-old female in Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 16 September, 2023.
Detective Inspector Stephanie Garnett said: “We strongly condemn Leckie’s actions, which caused profound trauma to this young female during this abhorrent crime. Our thoughts are with her, and we hope this conviction offers her some measure of justice.
“We have detectives dedicated to investigating such offences, and no matter how much time has passed, please report it. You can be assured that you will be fully supported by officers and our partner agencies.”
A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh.
Ali Chikane attacked his female victim on Monday, 5 February, 2024 in the Murieston Crescent Lane area of Dalry, leaving her with serious injuries.
He appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 19 November, after being convicted at the same court last month.
Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “I would like to commend the strength of the victim during this investigation after such a traumatic and frightening incident.
“Chikane is a dangerous and violent individual. I am glad he will now face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.
“We would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of violent or sexual offence, regardless of when it happened, to report it to us. We will investigate thoroughly and have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”
A man has been jailed for the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl in Edinburgh.Valentin Tica, 24, was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 to eight years in prison, backdated to November 2023.
He previously pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 20 May, 2025. Tica was also given a non-harassment order for an indefinite period.
Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “Tica will now face the consequences of his despicable actions in prison.
“I would like to commend the victim for her strength during the investigation, and I hope today’s sentencing brings some sense of closure.
“We would encourage anyone who has experienced any form of violent or sexual offence, regardless of when it happened, to report it to us.
“We will investigate thoroughly and have specially trained officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout.”
A 25-year-old man has been sentenced after being convicted of a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh.
Rowan McKenna attacked a woman at a property in the west of the city in July 2023.
He was jailed for 10 years and six months and placed on the Sex Offenders Register when he appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday (Monday, 2 June), after being previously convicted for the serious sexual assault and an assault to injury.
Detective Sergeant Craig Donnelly said: “My thoughts are with the woman who showed immense strength in assisting our investigation. I hope this sentencing brings her some form of comfort.
“We are committed to bringing those responsible for sexual abuse to justice. We work with a range of partner agencies to support victims and carry out investigations.
“Anyone with concerns or information should contact Police Scotland through 101, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
POLICE are appealing for information after a teenage girl was the victim of a serious sexual assault in Edinburgh on Sunday, 25 May, 2025.
The incident happened shortly after 5am in a basement storage area on York Place.
The 15-year-old girl was approached by a man at a bus stop by Marks and Spencer on Princes Street at around 5am. He then took her on foot to York Place.
After the assault the suspect left the area in the direction of Dublin Street.
The suspect is described as a white man with blond stubble/beard who spoke with a Scottish accent. He was wearing a black zip up hooded top, khaki green trousers, and Nike trainers. He wore a black balaclava.
Detective Inspector Mhairi Cooper from the Public Protection Unit in Edinburgh said: “This was a frightening incident for the girl and we have specialist officers supporting her and her family.
“From extensive enquiries within Edinburgh City Centre, we know the suspect approached her on Princes Street and then led her onto South St David Street, around St Andrew Square, onto Queen Street, then to York Place.
“Despite the early morning there was daylight in this busy commercial area. I am asking people who were within the area at the time and could have seen the suspect alone or with the victim, to come forward.
“CCTV from the New Town area is being gathered and checked – I would ask anyone with private systems to check these and submit anything of relevance to us as soon as possible.
“We continue to carry out door to door enquiries and I’d appeal to local residents and businesses in New Town who may have premises off street level to check any storage areas or lock ups and report any suspicious items or behaviour to us.”
Chief Inspector Brian Manchester, Local Area Commander, said: “We understand an incident such as this is concerning for the local community, and we have a dedicated enquiry team working on this investigation.
“Anyone with concerns should speak to officers without hesitation.”
Those with information should contact Police Scotland via 101 and quote incident number 0136 of 27 May 2025. An anonymous report can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 4 years in prison for a serious sexual assault on a woman in Edinburgh on Sunday, 19 December, 2021.
Toby Gayfer was sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today (Friday, 3 May, 2024) following his conviction on 5 April, 2024.
Detective Inspector Keith Taylor said: “This was a hugely distressing experience for Gayfer’s victim and I hope that today’s sentencing will provide her with some closure.
“He now faces the consequences of his despicable actions.
“I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that this type of violence will not be tolerated. We are wholly committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice.
“I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us, regardless of when it happened.
“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”
