A 19-year-old Scottish footballer has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after sexually assaulting a woman who had kindly allowed him into her home. Niall Geany, a right back from Kirkliston near Edinburgh, took advantage of the woman’s generosity on March 3, 2024, when she invited him inside to charge his phone.
Following a night out with friends, Geany and the victim shared a taxi. When he found himself stranded near her residence, she offered him shelter to power up his mobile device so he could arrange transportation home. Despite being aware that the woman was in a relationship and that she showed no romantic interest, Geany initiated unwanted sexual advances.
Court proceedings revealed that the victim repeatedly refused his advances, clearly saying “No,” but Geany ignored her protests. During his police interview, he admitted she told him to “Stop,” yet he forcibly raped her, causing physical injuries. Witnesses later observed a marked change in the woman’s behavior, noting she appeared visibly shaken and distressed.
After a trial, Geany was convicted of rape causing injury at the High Court in Glasgow. Sentencing Judge Alistair Watson emphasized the breach of trust, stating, “She welcomed you into her home and trusted you that night. You committed the crime of rape.” The judge highlighted the profound and ongoing physical and psychological damage inflicted on the victim, describing the assault as violent and forceful despite her resistance.
Geany, who had recently played for The Spartans FC, a lower league team in Edinburgh, was noted by the judge for his “high intelligence” and “low risk of reoffending.” Judge Watson expressed hope for Geany’s rehabilitation, remarking, “Given your youth, I am imposing a comparatively shorter custodial sentence for an offense of this severity.” Initially, Geany will serve his term in a young offenders’ institution before being transferred to an adult prison.
During sentencing, a man in the courtroom audibly expressed approval. Additionally, Geany was placed on the sex offenders register and subjected to a non-harassment order, barring any contact with the victim indefinitely.
Defending counsel Richard Souter acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, describing Geany as “exceptional” in both academic and athletic pursuits. He conceded that the court would likely impose a custodial sentence due to the harm caused.
This case underscores the severe consequences of violating trust and the lasting impact such crimes have on victims.
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