ALEXANDER SANDY HUNTER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN IN KELTY AND EDINBURGH

A man named Alexander Sandy Hunter, residing in Kelty, Fife, has been convicted and sentenced for the heinous sexual abuse of two young girls during sleepovers at his home. The crimes, which spanned over a decade, involved multiple instances of rape and abuse against victims who were only seven and eight years old when Hunter began targeting them.

Hunter, aged 66, was found guilty of seven charges on August 21 following a trial held at the High Court in Edinburgh. The court heard that between 2005 and 2016, Hunter exploited his position of trust to commit these grave offenses against the children. The severity of his actions was underscored by the fact that the victims suffered immense trauma, which only came to light years later when they felt safe enough to report the abuse.

On September 19, the High Court in Edinburgh handed down a substantial sentence, sentencing Hunter to a total of 12 years in an extended prison term, with nine years to be served in custody. Additionally, Hunter’s name has been permanently added to the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The court also issued non-harassment orders, which prohibit Hunter from contacting or attempting to contact his victims indefinitely, in an effort to protect them from further harm.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, Katrina Parkes, issued a statement emphasizing the gravity of Hunter’s misconduct. She stated, “Alexander Hunter posed a danger to young girls by exploiting his position of trust in the worst possible way. The trauma these victims suffered was at the forefront of our minds during this prosecution. It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Hunter’s offending that he has now been brought to justice. We would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to come forward—regardless of how much time has passed. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”

Detective Constable Emma Moyes from Fife’s Public Protection Unit of Police Scotland also commented on the case, highlighting Hunter’s blatant disregard for the impact of his crimes. She acknowledged the difficulty victims face in coming forward and reassured the public of the police’s commitment to investigating child abuse cases, regardless of when they occurred. Moyes emphasized that authorities will continue working closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are held accountable.

During the sentencing hearing, Lady Ross, presiding over the case, detailed the nature of Hunter’s crimes. She described how Hunter had sexually abused and raped one victim, referred to as A, who was just eight years old at the time, over the course of about a week. The second victim, B, was subjected to prolonged abuse from the age of seven until she was fourteen, including multiple rapes. Lady Ross condemned Hunter’s actions as sickening, noting that he threatened the victims to keep their abuse secret, warning them that disclosure would lead to trouble and separation from their families.

Lady Ross expressed her concern over the lasting damage inflicted on the victims, who only felt able to report the abuse as young adults. She pointed out that Hunter’s denial and lack of remorse or empathy were troubling, and she highlighted the risk he poses for reoffending. To protect the public, she ordered an extended sentence of 12 years, with nine years to be served immediately and a three-year extension on license after release. The court also mandated that Hunter adhere to strict conditions during his license period, with the possibility of revocation if he breaches them.

In conclusion, Lady Ross reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding the community from individuals like Hunter, emphasizing that the sentence was designed to prevent further harm and ensure justice for the victims. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of Hunter’s offenses and the ongoing commitment of Scottish justice authorities to combat child sexual abuse.