Predator groomed young girl with gifts and threats
A man who posed as a loving partner to a single mother while sexually abusing her daughter for years has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. The 46-year-old predator, who cannot be named for legal reasons, groomed the young girl with gifts, money and threats. He also installed a spy camera in her bedroom and recorded his vile acts.
The abuse started when the girl was 11 years old and continued until she was 16. She finally confided in a friend and reported the abuse to the police. The man was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including rape, sexual assault, voyeurism and making indecent images of a child.
The man denied the charges and claimed he was in a consensual relationship with the girl. He also tried to blame the girl’s mother for being neglectful and abusive. However, the jury at the High Court in Glasgow did not believe his lies and found him guilty of all charges.
Victim suffered ‘devastating’ impact from abuse
The court heard that the victim suffered a ‘devastating’ impact from the abuse. She developed post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. She also struggled with trust, intimacy and self-esteem issues. She said she felt ‘dirty, worthless and unlovable’.
The judge, Lord Mulholland, praised the victim for her courage and bravery in coming forward and giving evidence. He told the man: “You are a predatory paedophile who preyed on a vulnerable child. You manipulated her and her mother. You abused the trust that was placed in you. You have shown no remorse for your actions. You have caused immense harm to the victim and her family.”
The judge also imposed an extended sentence of four years, which means the man will be supervised by the authorities for four years after his release. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Mum ‘heartbroken’ and ‘betrayed’ by partner
The victim’s mother said she was ‘heartbroken’ and ‘betrayed’ by her partner, who she thought was ‘perfect’. She said she met him online and he seemed to be a caring and supportive man. He moved in with her and her daughter and treated them well. He also helped her with her health problems and financial difficulties.
She said she had no idea what he was doing to her daughter behind her back. She said she felt ‘guilty’ and ‘ashamed’ for not protecting her daughter. She said she was ‘angry’ and ‘disgusted’ by his actions. She said she hoped he would ‘rot in jail’ for what he did.
She also thanked her daughter for speaking out and said she was ‘proud’ of her. She said she hoped they could ‘heal’ and ‘move on’ from the ordeal.
Police welcome ‘significant’ sentence
Detective Inspector Craig Willison, of Police Scotland’s National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, welcomed the ‘significant’ sentence. He said: “This was a complex and sensitive investigation involving a young girl who was subjected to horrific abuse by someone who was supposed to care for her. He exploited her vulnerability and innocence for his own sexual gratification. He also tried to cover his tracks by installing a spy camera and deleting evidence from his devices.”
He added: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery and strength in coming forward and giving evidence in court. She has shown remarkable resilience and courage throughout this process. I hope this sentence will bring some closure and justice to her and her family.”
He also urged anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to contact the police or a support organisation. He said: “We will listen to you and we will support you. We will do everything in our power to bring perpetrators to justice.”
