A young man who sexually assaulted a teenage girl and raped a woman who was lying “comatose” in bed “lacked maturity” at the time of the offences and “did not exercise good judgement”, a judge has said.

Coran Wells, 22, has been jailed for five years after he carried out the separate attacks in Stornoway, Lewis, in June 2021.

Wells assaulted the “vulnerable” 17-year-old on a sofa after just meeting her that day. Days later he then went on to rape a 39-year-old woman.

During sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, Judge Lady Poole said of the second victim: “She had taken you into her house and given you a place to sleep.

“She was in bed, intoxicated after taking substances, and in her words comatose.

“You had sexual intercourse with her when she was incapable of consenting. She had bruises on her body afterwards. You abused her trust.

“Both of your victims were distressed afterwards as a result of your unwanted behaviour.”

The judge sentenced Wells to five years in prison. He was convicted after a trial last month.

The court heard he committed the offences while out on bail and had already amassed a “significant number” of previous convictions, including threatening and abusive behaviour, vandalism, supply of drugs and theft.

Lady Poole said six months of the prison sentence was to reflect the bail aggravations in the case.

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Judge says there is ‘hope’ attacker can change

The judge noted that Wells was 20 at the time of the attacks and had taken into account guidance on the sentencing of under-25s in Scotland.

The Scottish Sentencing Council now recommends a more “individualistic approach” to take account of the perpetrator’s life experiences. It aims to reduce reoffending by focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Lady Poole said: “You lacked maturity at the time of your offending and did not exercise good judgement. It is possible you have a greater capacity for change and rehabilitation than an older person.

“Your previous record of convictions does not inspire confidence in your rehabilitation. However, while you have been detained on remand in this case, you have obtained some qualifications and been involved with work.

“You gave evidence you have given up drugs while on remand. So, there is hope you can reform and live a useful and law-abiding life. I sincerely hope you choose to do so, but that is in your hands.”

Following the five-year jail term, backdated to June 2021 when first remanded, Wells will be on licence for a year.

He has also been placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

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