It is shocking that any judge thought a rapist’s “immaturity” deserved more consideration than his victim’s trauma.
As far as I remember the judge was following new sentencing guidelines that factor in brain maturity. It wasn't him who came up with the idea.
And it's a concept that has a decent basis but is appallingly applied. To the point where I do wonder if the judge deliberately applied the guidelines to the letter to make a point. For the victim it would be a further cruelty after what she's been through over the past 4-5 years, so I'd hope not. But to get this legal nonsense sorted out, it would be a perfect case.
I hope he gets a proper custodial sentence. If the Scottish government wants to take brain maturity and rehabilitation into account, it can do that during a custodial sentence in the case of rape. It can also reconsider why 16 year olds are cognitively mature enough to take marry, vote, join the military, but are unable to take responsibility for the crimes they commit. It doesn't add up.
I hope his victim is managing with this being churned up all the time. I wish she never experienced his actions in the first place and then had had justice years ago. I hope she gets it this time round.