Former Dundee Ice Hockey Player Detained for Rape of Teenager

Darren Donaldson, a 19-year-old from Dyce, Aberdeen, and a former amateur ice hockey player for Dundee, has received a four-and-a-half-year detention sentence. This follows his rape of a teenage girl in his vehicle after collecting her from a sleepover. Donaldson specifically targeted the victim while she was severely intoxicated and unable to provide consent. During court proceedings, it was revealed that Donaldson initially encountered the victim, who was under 16 years old, via his friends and fellow Dundee Comets teammates. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued, prohibiting Donaldson from contacting or attempting to contact the victim for a duration of 15 years. Donaldson’s sentencing took place at the High Court in Glasgow, subsequent to his conviction in September after a trial. Evidence presented at the trial indicated that he went to the residence where the girl was staying in August 2022 but was denied entry. Shortly thereafter, her friends put the victim to bed because of her high level of intoxication. Donaldson subsequently picked up the victim from the property and drove her to an address located in Perth and Kinross, where the rape occurred. The accused, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident, then transported the victim back to her friend’s house. The next day, she awoke and experienced flashbacks, leading to the attack being reported to the police. When questioned regarding the effect of his actions on the girl, he stated she might have been “a bit upset.” He asserted that the girl and other individuals had conspired against him. Judge Lord Scott commented that Donaldson seemingly continued to believe he had committed no wrongdoing. The judge stated: “You seem to think you are the victim. The continuing support of your family is not a protective factor here.” He continued: “They do not believe you are guilty as “you are not like that” – whatever that is.” “The jury decided you are exactly like that.” Donaldson has also been placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.