James Leckie, of Musselburgh, attacked the 16-year-old shortly after meeting her at the event in Princes Street Gardens on 16 September 2023.

The 28-year-old, who had never met the girl before, was found guilty on 19 November 2025 following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The court heard how Leckie, who was 25 at the time, led the girl into a wooded area where he began shouting, swearing and making threats of violence.

He seized her by the hair and throat before raping her. The girl managed to escape but was chased and caught by Leckie who continued the attack.

Event security staff became aware of a disturbance in the trees and were able to intervene and lead the distressed victim away to safety.

Forensic evidence presented by the prosecution corroborated the teenager’s account of events. The court also heard testimony from police officers, who reported that Leckie made derogatory and misogynistic remarks about women while being detained.

In addition, Leckie was convicted of threatening and abusive behaviour towards two officers, which included racist and homophobic comments.

On 18 December 2025, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Leckie was jailed for nine years. His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

A non-harassment order, banning Leckie from contacting or attempting to contact the victim, was also granted.

Faye Cook, procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said: “James Leckie has been held accountable for subjecting this young woman to an opportunistic and predatory attack at a busy music festival.

“She had every right to be safe while enjoying a night out with friends but instead endured a harrowing ordeal at the hands of this rapist.

“The prosecution presented compelling evidence that proved this man’s guilt and exposed the deeply misogynistic views he holds about women.

“COPFS recognises the serious harm that violence and abuse – driven by such attitudes – cause to individuals and society, and remains committed to taking action against those responsible.”