Cases

Ice hockey player detained for rape of teenage girl

A Dundee ice hockey player who raped a teenage girl in his car after picking her up from a sleepover has been detained.

Darren Donaldson was found guilty on 17 September 2024 following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.  

The 19-year-old, from Dyce, Aberdeen, targeted the victim when she was heavily intoxicated and incapable of giving consent.  

The court heard Donaldson first met the victim, who was under the age of 16, through his friends and teammates.  

On the night of 4 August 2022, he attended at the house where the girl was staying but was refused entry.  

Due to her level of intoxication, the victim was put to bed by friends a short while later.  

Donaldson later collected the victim from the property and drove to The Shore, Kingoodie, Invergowrie, where he raped her. 

The accused, who was 17 at the time, then drove the victim back to her friend’s house.  

She woke up the following day and began having flashbacks before the matter was reported to the police. 

On 11 November 2024, at the High Court in Glasgow, Donaldson was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment.  

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.  

A non-harassment order, banning Donaldson from contacting or attempting to contact the victim, was granted for a period of 15 years.  

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes said:  

“Darren Donaldson took advantage of a young girl who was incapable of giving or withholding consent.  

“He will now face the consequences of his actions following this prosecution and conviction. 

“We would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to come forward.  

“You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.” 

Police Scotland Detective Constable Mark Guild said: “My thoughts are with the victim who has shown immense strength in coming forward and assisting our investigation.  

“I hope the sentence imposed on Donaldson brings her some form of comfort. We remain committed to supporting victims of sexual crimes and thoroughly investigating those responsible by bringing them to justice.  

“I would urge people to come forward and report it to police. They can be assured of being fully supported by officers and partner agencies.”