In a significant legal decision, Luke Ford, once known for his role as Brad Pitt's body double, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a series of severe crimes against women.
On December 19, 2024, Scotland's High Court convicted Ford of 19 charges, including violence, sexual assault, and threats according to The Daily Caller.
Luke Ford, 44, faced judgment at the High Court in Edinburgh, where he was found guilty of engaging in criminal activities that spanned over a decade. From 2008 to 2020, Ford targeted nine women, demonstrating a pattern of manipulative and abusive behavior.
The charges against him were severe, with seven counts of rape. One of these charges included "stealthing," a serious offense involving sexual deception concerning condom use, marking this case as Scotland's first prosecution for such an act.
Ford's actions deeply affected his victims, with one recounting how he had unprotected sex with her without her consent after deceitfully confirming he would use protection. This incident left her severely traumatized, describing the experience as a profound violation of her trust and safety.
Ford's psychological manipulation of his victims was evident throughout his trial. Victims described him as not only abusive but also as someone who posed significant threats to their safety, painting a picture of a man who used his physical and psychological power to control and manipulate.
This pattern of behavior was further corroborated by statements during the court trials, where Ford's past as Brad Pitt's double was mentioned.
An anonymous victim described him as a "serial perpetrator and master manipulator," obsessed with his connection to Pitt, according to STV News.
Adding to the gravity of the case, Katrina Parkes, Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, condemned Ford's actions in strong terms. She asserted that Ford had demonstrated complete disregard for his victims' consent, employing manipulation or threats to fulfill his abusive intents.
The court's verdict included not only a 16-year custodial sentence but also a 21-year extended sentence, reflecting the severity of Ford's crimes.
This decision underscores the legal system’s stance on safeguarding public safety from individuals who pose a recurring threat.
Furthermore, measures were taken to prevent any future contact between Ford and his victims. He is now barred from reaching out to them in any form. Additionally, his name will remain on the sex offenders register permanently, ensuring a level of ongoing oversight following his eventual release.
In a closing statement, one of Ford's victims expressed a mix of relief and continued concern. "He genuinely thought he was going to be the next Brad Pitt," she stated, encapsulating the delusional self-image Ford projected, which she believed masked deeper, more dangerous behavioral traits.
The legal precedent set by this case, especially in the prosecution of stealthing, marks a significant point in Scottish legal history. This could lead to more stringent legal scrutiny and potentially more cases being brought forward in similar contexts.
The community's reaction has been one of relief and support for the victims, with many hoping that this verdict will serve as a deterrent to similar crimes.
It also raises awareness about the importance of recognizing and addressing different forms of sexual violence and manipulation.
As the case concludes, the broader implications for legal proceedings concerning sexual assault and consent are being discussed by legal experts and advocacy groups, pointing to a possible shift in how such cases are handled in the future.