A Scottish footballer who raped a woman in her own home after she offered to help him charge his mobile phone has been jailed for three years and nine months.
Niall Geany, 19, preyed upon the victim after she invited him into her Edinburgh property following a night out on 3rd March 2024. The right-back, who most recently played for lower league club Spartans FC, attacked the woman despite her repeatedly telling him “No” and pleading with him to “Stop.”
The court heard how Geany, from Kirkliston near Edinburgh, had shared a taxi with his victim after an evening out with friends. Finding himself stranded near the woman’s house, she showed him kindness by inviting him inside so he could charge his phone and arrange transport home.
Assault despite clear rejection
Geany attempted sexual contact with the woman despite knowing she had a boyfriend. Prosecutors told the High Court in Glasgow that the victim had “expressed no romance” towards him whatsoever.
The woman repeatedly rejected his advances and told Geany “No” as he continued his attack. During his police interview, Geany himself stated that she had told him to “Stop.” However, he proceeded to struggle with his victim and raped her, leaving her injured.
After the horrific incident, witnesses reported that the woman was “visibly distressed” and there was a marked change in her demeanour.
Judge condemns breach of trust
Geany was found guilty of rape to injury following a trial and was sentenced today at the High Court in Glasgow.
Judge Alistair Watson delivered a damning condemnation of Geany’s actions when passing sentence. “She allowed you in her home and she placed trust in you that night,” the judge said. You clearly committed the crime of rape.
He continued: “The victim impact statement details the massive impact your criminal conduct has had on her. You have to understand the harm you have caused continues to affect her now and will continue physically and mentally.”
Judge Watson emphasised the severity of the attack: “The degree of harm you caused is particularly high. I have to acknowledge the serious harm caused to your victim and the gravity of the forcible and violent rape committed in the face of her struggles and protests.”
The judge also highlighted the aggravating factor that the attack took place in the woman’s bedroom, adding: “I have to acknowledge the aggravation that this took place in her bedroom in a place she should feel safe and be safe.”
Shorter sentence due to age and prospects
Despite the seriousness of the crime, Judge Watson stated he had taken into account Geany’s “high intelligence” and assessed him as presenting a “low risk of re-offending.”
The judge said he believes Geany can be “rehabilitated and go on to lead a pro-social life,” adding: “Standing your youth in particular, I am exceptionally going to impose a shorter period of custody for a crime of this nature.”
The sentencing heard that Geany will initially serve his sentence in a young offenders’ institution before being transferred to prison upon reaching the appropriate age.
Public gallery reaction
When the three years and nine months sentence was announced, a man in the public gallery shouted: “Yes.”
Judge Watson also placed Geany on the sex offenders register and granted a non-harassment order prohibiting any contact with the victim for an indefinite period.
Defence highlights academic achievements
Richard Souter, defending, told the sentencing hearing that his client was “exceptional” in academic and sporting terms.
The lawyer acknowledged the gravity of the offence, stating: “This is the type of offence that will have caused harm and I acknowledge that. Clearly the court will be considering custody.”
Football career
Geany most recently played as a right-back for The Spartans FC, a lower league outfit based in Edinburgh. The club’s social media posts from May 2024 showed Geany making his senior debut for the team, with local schools celebrating the achievement of their former pupil at the time.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how a simple act of kindness can be exploited by predators. The victim’s compassion in allowing a stranded stranger into her home to charge his phone was met with a violent sexual assault that has left lasting physical and psychological trauma.
The indefinite non-harassment order ensures Geany will never be permitted to contact his victim again, offering her at least some measure of protection as she continues to recover from the devastating impact of his crimes.
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