Luke Ford, a 35-year-old actor from Stirling, Scotland, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of sexual offenses against multiple women over a 12-year period. His convictions include six counts of rape, one attempted rape, and the non-consensual removal of a condom during intercourse, known as “stealthing.” This case marks the first prosecution for stealthing in Scotland.

Background and Offenses

Ford, who claimed to have worked as a body double for Brad Pitt during the filming of “World War Z” in Glasgow in 2013, used his acting credentials to gain the trust of his victims. He met several women through dating apps, initially presenting himself as charming and affectionate before subjecting them to various forms of abuse. His offenses spanned from 2008 to 2020 and involved nine women.

The court heard harrowing testimonies of Ford’s abusive behavior, including physical assaults such as strangulation and smashing a partner’s head against a car window. He also engaged in psychological manipulation, threatening to share intimate images of his victims with their employers and families to maintain control over them.

The ‘Stealthing’ Incident

One of the most notable aspects of Ford’s case is his conviction for stealthing. In 2017, he met a female psychologist on Tinder. After a few dates, they agreed to engage in sexual activity, with the explicit condition that he use a condom to prevent pregnancy. Despite this agreement, Ford admitted afterward that he had not used the condom provided. The victim described feeling “completely violated” upon learning this, emphasizing that she would not have consented to unprotected sex.

When confronted the following day about the possibility of pregnancy, Ford dismissed her concerns, calling her “paranoid” and suggesting she take the morning-after pill. He callously texted, “Just get the pill and if you are pregnant get rid of it.”

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Ford was convicted of 18 charges, including six rapes, one attempted rape, and multiple assaults. During sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Summers considered imposing an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR), which would have meant Ford could only be released when deemed no longer a threat to public safety. However, the judge ultimately decided against an OLR, citing Ford’s lack of prior convictions, his acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and his participation in rehabilitation programs. Instead, Ford received a 16-year prison sentence, followed by five years of supervision upon release.

In his remarks, Judge Summers acknowledged the danger Ford poses to women but expressed optimism about his potential for rehabilitation, given his relatively young age. He stated, “I consider that I should be cautious to pronounce an OLR when, as here, the offending began in your teens and you remain a relatively young man. In that circumstance, there is reason to think that you may … .”

Victims’ Impact and Public Response

The sentencing has brought a measure of closure to Ford’s victims, who displayed immense courage in coming forward. One victim, speaking anonymously, described Ford as a “serial perpetrator and a master manipulator,” expressing hope that other victims might also find the strength to report their experiences.

Detective Inspector Steven Gray of Police Scotland labeled Ford a “dangerous and manipulative sexual predator,” emphasizing that the victims’ testimonies were instrumental in securing the conviction. He stated, “I hope that knowing he is now behind bars for his crimes helps them continue to move forward with their lives.”

Legal and Social Implications

This case sets a significant legal precedent in Scotland, being the first successful prosecution for stealthing. The act of stealthing violates the principle of consent and poses serious health risks, including unwanted pregnanciansmitted infections. Legal experts and advocacy groups have long called for clearer legislation to address this form of sexual assault.

Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, commented on the case, stating that Ford was prepared to use manipulation, force, or threats to carry out his abuse. She emphasized the significance of proving rape in the context of steing the importance of consent between partners.

Luke Ford’s conviction and sentencing underscore the importance of consent in all sexual activities and the serious legal consequences of violating it. The courage of the survivors in coming forward has not only led to justice in this case but has ess about the crime of stealthing. This case may pave the way for future prosecutions, reinforcing the message that deceptive and non-consensual sexual practices will not be tolerated.

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