Alleged teen rapist spared prosecution to go to US has visa revoked

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An alleged teen rapist spared prosecution so he could go to the US to take up a scholarship has had his visa revoked.He was accused of attacking his ­girlfriend when they were both 17 but was given a “diversion from ­prosecution” that allowed him to avoid a trial and a possible criminal conviction.After his teenage victim came ­forward to the Sunday Mail the Crown Office ordered a review of guidelines.The Sunday Mail revealed in June that the youth was offered a “six-week ­condensed course” with a view to reviewing his case in July so the decision could be made whether he could still take up the £14,000 football scholarship at an American college.But the Sunday Mail understands the teen’s US visa has been rescinded after details came to light of his ­involvement in the diversion prosecution ­programme as ­an alternative to a trial.The alleged victim, who can’t be named for legal ­reasons, said: “I feel now someone is ­listening.

I couldn’t believe it when we were told he had been offered a ­diversion from prosecution and wouldn’t ever have to go to court.“But then to be told that he would only have to complete a six-week course and then the decision would be made if he could go to ­America for a football ­scholarship just felt like no kind of ­punishment at all."The US has strict rules on people with a criminal record not being eligible for a visa and can deny entry to the country.In June, the college’s soccer team announced their signing of the Ayrshire teen, now 18.Quoted on their social media page, he had said: ­“I’ve always wanted to play abroad and the… ­campus and ­facilities look amazing.

I look forward to getting started.”Last week the woman and her family met Crown officials about the case.Her mum, 46, said: “We