Man jailed for years of abuse of two girls
five-year sentence for 50-year-old who committed acts more than 20 years ago
Published:
A man who sexually abused two young north-east girls more than 20 years ago has been jailed for five years after being brought back from Germany to face charges.
William Robertson hung his head in the dock at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday as he was told of the “very great harm” his actions had caused.
The 50-year-old was convicted by a jury of three indecency charges after a trial at the High Court in Aberdeen earlier this month.
He used lewd and libidinous practices and behaviour towards one of the girls on various occasions in the Gordon area between July 1, 1974, and January 1, 1981.
He also abused her in front of another person on various occasions during that time.
Between June 1, 1980, and June 21, 1988, Robertson, whose address was given in court papers as Hamseld 24, 47661, Issum, Germany, indecently assaulted another girl at addresses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
A European warrant had been issued for Robertson’s arrest in 2007 and the court heard he spent two months in custody in Germany after being arrested on December 24, 2007.
Lord Woolman told Robertson: “The sentence must reflect public revulsion at conduct of this kind. In particular, it must deter others.”
He added: “You have been found guilty after trial of three serious charges of sexual abuse. The abuse took place over almost 14 years and it involved two complainers who were very young at the time.
“The evidence was that the abuse happened up to two to three times a week. What you did has had a profound and detrimental effect.”
“Very great harm is caused to young children who are the subject of sexual abuse – it affects their whole lives.”
He added that each victim had suffered psychological symptoms since.
The judge noted that Robertson continued to deny his culpability.
Defence advocate Brian McConnachie QC said the case had been borderline as to whether it would be prosecuted at sheriff court or high court.
He added that Robertson had lived a law-abiding life in Germany and was at a low risk of reoffending.
Lord Woolman backdated Robertson’s sentence to July 9 to take into account a two-month period Robertson had spent in custody in Germany after his arrest.
He must also comply with the sex offenders register.
Readers' Comments
What the judge said is so right!! The actions of people like this affect the victims, their families and extended families. They will have to live with this man's actions for the rest of their lives, it does not go away when a guilty verdict is read out. Just a pity that he can't be sentenced to life - he has made many others live with the consequences of his actions for their whole lives - "a real life sentence"!!!!
morag wight
Report this comment