'I was raped by a childhood friend - I want others to know what he did'

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: 'I was raped by a childhood friend - I want others to know what he did'4 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleLori CarnochanBBC Scotland, DumfriesBBC newsHayley would like to see an open database listing the names of sex offendersA woman who was raped by a childhood friend is calling for the sex offenders register to be made public amid fears her rapist could deny his conviction. Hayley Watkins, 24, has waived her anonymity to raise awareness about what she believes is a lack of transparency with the current system. She also wants to share her experience to encourage other victims of rape to report their attacks.

Hayley was raped by 19-year-old Jordan Learmonth at his home in Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway, in February 2020. He was released from prison in February 2026 after serving three and half years for rape and assault. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

The Details

But his conviction at the High Court in Stirling was not reported in the media and there is little information about it available online. Hayley believes other people should be aware of his history. "You can't find it anywhere that he has been convicted of a serious sexual crime and I think people should be able to know that,'' she said.

''People have to rely on rumours and gossip to get factual information and that just doesn't make sense to me. ''She added: ''It shouldn't be down to the media to have to cover all these court cases. There should just be a consistent database provided by the government.

"Currently people can ask the police if someone is a registered child sex offender to ensure the safety of a child, under the sex offender community disclosure scheme. But there is no similar scheme for adult sex offenders in Scotland. Richard Webb/GeographThe rape happened in a home in Castle DouglasHayley had been friends with Learmonth since childhood and they regularly spent time in each other's company.

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They were both 19 when he attacked her at his home. ''We went back to his house, carried on drinking, put the telly on and it was getting late so I just fell asleep,'' she said. ''Essentially I had woken up to him on top of me and at that moment I just knew I needed to get out.

''Hayley walked home and sent a text message to Learmonth, asking why he had raped her while she was sleeping. ''He just denied it, said that he wasn't near me and nothing happened," she said. "That was later used in court because DNA evidence found that it had taken place - so it helped to get him convicted.

"'Betrayal of trust'Hayley visited her GP surgery the morning after the attack. She praised the support shown by the doctor and police officers who dealt with her case. ''My doctor was so supportive, he was patient with me and that positive experience then led me to tell my family and then go to the police station and tell the police," she said.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.