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

I was raped by a childhood – Hayley Watkins, 24, has chosen to reveal her identity to highlight the need for greater openness in the sex offender registration system. Her decision stems from concerns that her rapist, Jordan Learmonth, might be able to conceal his conviction from the public. Watkins is advocating for a more transparent approach, aiming to ensure that victims of sexual assault have the tools to share their stories and protect others from potential harm.

A Personal Trauma, A Public Call to Action

Watkins’ ordeal began in February 2020, when she was sexually assaulted by Learmonth at his home in Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway. The incident occurred during a visit that started with casual drinking and ended with her waking to find him on top of her. She described the moment as a sudden realization of betrayal, saying, “Essentially I had woken up to him on top of me and at that moment I just knew I needed to get out.”

Despite the trauma, Watkins took steps to report the crime. She visited her GP the following morning and praised the support she received from the medical team. “My doctor was so supportive, he was patient with me,” she said. “That positive experience then led me to tell my family and go to the police station.” She emphasized that the professionals involved treated her with empathy and professionalism, never making her feel judged for the assault.

Learmonth was eventually convicted in August 2022 after a protracted legal process delayed by pandemic restrictions. The verdict came as a relief, with Watkins recalling, “It was a really long day when the jury went out. It came back a unanimous decision that he was found guilty and it was an unbelievable relief.” However, she also shared the emotional weight of the sentence, noting, “Jordan was my friend. It was hard dealing with the betrayal of trust—my friend could violate me in ways I never imagined.”

The conviction, which led to Learmonth serving three and a half years in prison, was not widely publicized. As a result, the public remained largely unaware of his criminal history. Watkins believes this lack of information puts others at risk, stating, “You can’t find it anywhere that he [Learmonth] has been convicted of a serious sexual crime.” She argues that people must depend on rumors and gossip to learn about such offenses, which she calls “unreasonable.”

Watkins is pushing for a centralized, searchable database for sex offenders, similar to systems used in the United States. She submitted a petition to the UK parliament, calling for improved transparency and public awareness of sexual offender risk in Scotland. The petition claims that while existing systems manage offenders, information is often reactive rather than accessible, leaving communities uncertain about how to identify potential threats.

Currently, in Scotland, individuals can check the police to determine if someone is a registered child sex offender. This process is designed to protect children, but there is no equivalent system for adult sex offenders. Watkins wants to change that, arguing that the public should have easy access to information about those who have committed sexual crimes. “It shouldn’t be down to the media to have to cover all these court cases,” she said. “There should just be a consistent database provided by the government.”

Watkins’ experience with Learmonth underscores the challenges victims face in seeking justice. She recounted how he initially denied the assault, claiming he wasn’t near her and nothing had happened. “He just denied it, said that he wasn’t near me and nothing happened,” she explained. “That was later used in court because DNA evidence proved it had taken place—so it helped to get him convicted.”

Although Learmonth is now on the sex offenders register for life, Watkins believes the system could be more effective. She has been in contact with Scottish ministers to discuss potential policy changes, hoping to create a more proactive approach to public safety. The Scottish government responded by stating, “Public safety is paramount in the management of registered sex offenders to minimize potential risks and keep communities safe.” It added that offenders are overseen by multi-agency arrangements with strict notification requirements and penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for breaches.

Watkins’ story is a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency. She said her goal is to inspire other victims to come forward, emphasizing, “I hope my story would encourage others in a similar situation to report their attacks.” Her advocacy reflects a growing push for systemic reform, ensuring that the public has the knowledge to make informed decisions about their safety.

The Ripple Effect of Inaction

Watkins’ campaign highlights the broader implications of a lack of transparency in the justice system. She pointed out that without accessible information, individuals may not recognize the risks posed by sex offenders. “This leaves individuals and communities unsure of how to recognize risk or take steps to protect themselves,” she said, referencing the petition’s argument.

The sex offenders register is a crucial tool for tracking individuals who have committed sexual crimes. However, its limited visibility raises concerns about its effectiveness. Watkins believes that if the register were more widely publicized, it could prevent future incidents by making offenders’ histories more known. “People should be able to know that,” she reiterated, stressing the importance of clear and accessible records.

Her personal journey from victim to advocate illustrates the power of shared experiences in driving change. After the assault, she was supported by her GP and police officers, which gave her the confidence to speak out. “I never felt like they didn’t believe me,” she said. “They were very professional but also patient and empathetic concerning the crime that took place.” This support was vital in her decision to take the case to court and ultimately to the public sphere.

Watkins’ efforts have already sparked conversations about reform. She is working closely with officials to establish a more comprehensive database, one that would allow anyone to check an offender’s history with ease. This initiative could bridge the gap between victims and the public, ensuring that knowledge about sexual crimes is not confined to the courtroom. “I want Scotland to adopt a searchable, open database,” she said, envisioning a system that empowers individuals with information.

As the conversation around sex offender registration continues, Watkins’ story serves as both a personal account and a call to action. Her experience underscores the need for a system that not only holds offenders accountable but also informs the public so they can make informed choices. By sharing her story, she hopes to create a ripple effect, encouraging others to take similar steps and ultimately fostering a culture of transparency and trust.