A pensioner who sexually abused two young girls more than 20 years ago was yesterday jailed for three and a half years.
William Mackay, 70, will be free within weeks as he has already served the equivalent of 40 months while awaiting sentence.
Mackay was brought to justice after one of his victims began having flashbacks and she and his other victim went to dream therapy and realised he had abused them as children.
He was cleared of rape after trial, but convicted of three counts of sexual abuse at a Highland village between 1986 and 1994.
One of his victims was only seven when her ordeal began.
Yesterday at the High Court in Glasgow, defence QC Frances McMenamin said that Mackay, who is in poor physical health and suffers from short term memory loss, continues to deny committing the offences.
Ms McMenamin said that social workers who compiled a report on Mackay accused him of ‘co-ordinated planning of the abuse” and added: “given his problems with excessive alcohol abuse this seems unlikely.”
Sentencing, Judge Graham Buchanan said: “You continue to maintain your innocence of these charges and were acquitted of more serious charges towards these girls at the young ages they were was quite disgraceful.
“A significant custodial sentence is the only appropriate form of disposal.’
A psychologist who examined Mackay, who is originally from Muir of Ord, believed that he suffers from an anti-social personality.
Judge Buchanan also placed Mackay on the sex offenders’ register.
Detective Inspector Andy Logan, of Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit, said: “MacKay exploited young girls over many years and today he has finally been held accountable for his actions. Whenever incidents of sexual abuse are brought to our attention they will be thoroughly and sensitively investigated by specialist officers, who will provide dedicated support, regardless of the passage of time.
“The bravery of MacKay’s victims in coming forward has allowed for a robust investigation to be carried out and subsequently MacKay being brought to justice for his deplorable actions. Our message is it is never too late to report sexual abuse; each and every report will be investigated as part of our commitment to keeping people safe from harm.”
