Rachael Hirsz

A sex attacker who assaulted a much younger former friend after she repeatedly said no has been jailed for 18 months.

Rachael Hirsz, 53, (pictured) also known as Rebeckah, admitted sexually assaulting the woman at a flat in Menzieshill, Dundee, on May 29, 2025.

The victim had already made clear she did not want any sexual activity. But after a night out drinking, Hirsz subjected her to an assault that left her in pain and frightened that resisting more forcefully could make things worse.

Prosecutors said the woman stopped saying no because she felt Hirsz was ignoring her. She pressed herself back into a chair, grimaced and made sounds of pain. Her body was rigid, her arms stayed by her sides and she did not touch Hirsz.

The woman eventually pushed Hirsz away by drawing up her knees and said she wanted to stop. Afterwards, upset and crying, she contacted the Hope Point crisis centre and reported that she believed she had been sexually assaulted.

Later that day, Hirsz sent Snapchat messages apologising. When the victim reminded Hirsz that she had resisted and said she did not want sex, Hirsz claimed not to remember.

Hirsz pleaded guilty on the day a jury trial was due to begin at Dunfermline Sheriff Court. The case was transferred to Dundee for sentencing.

Sheriff Mark Thorley described the assault as an “incredibly serious” offence and a “gross breach of trust” against a much younger friend. He ruled that only a prison sentence was appropriate.

Hirsz was jailed for 18 months, placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and made subject to a three-year non-harassment order.