A man who had been jailed after the rape of a 15-year-old girl in a car park has died in prison. Robert Kennedy, 44, got the "highly vulnerable" teenager drunk and high on drugs before attacking her in Merkland Street, Glasgow, on September 24, 2021. The former commercial boat skipper was sentenced to seven years in prison by the High Court in Glasgow in August 2024.
At the time, he was already subject to two bail orders and waiting sentence for a crime involving the use of a needle, GlasgowLive reports. Lord Arthurson, sentencing, said: "You did not know your victim. It is plain you provided her with alcohol and street Valium on the day of and prior to this crime.
"The damage inflicted by you is incalculable. As at the date of this offence, you were on a deferred sentence for offending with a hypodermic needle.
"The [pre-sentencing] report confirms you present a significant risk of harm - in particular a high risk to lone females."
Kennedy was pronounced dead at HMP Barlinnie on February 19, with his death subject to a Fatal Accident Inquiry.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: "Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.
"Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course."
*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***
