Charity hits out after predator who raped a girl of 13 walks free from jail

A CHARITY has hit out after a predator who raped a girl of 13 walked free — after a judge said his age helped him avoid a five-year jail stint.

Sean Hogg, 21, was let off with 270 hours’ unpaid work for repeated attacks on the child.

The fiend was 17 when he preyed on the schoolgirl at Dalkeith Country Park in Midlothian.

Court papers state Hogg, of Hamilton, threatened her and pulled down her lower clothing.

He also seized her wrists, forced her to carry out a sex act on him and raped her.

But sparing him prison, Judge Lord Lake told the crying fiend: “Rape is one of the most serious crimes.

“Her age and vulnerabilities are aggravating factors. For the level of seriousness, I have to consider your liability and age as a factor.

“This offence, if committed by an over-25, would attract a sentence of four or five years.

“I don’t consider that appropriate.”

Hogg was also handed supervision and put on the sex offenders register for three years.

He was previously found guilty of the sex attacks between March and June 2018.

His lawyer Donald Finlay KC told the High Court in Glasgow an appeal was planned.

Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, called the sentence “worryingly lenient”.

The SNP Government passed down new sentencing guidelines last year urging a focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment for criminals under 25.

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