2006: EX-SOLDIER JAILED FOR RAPING SCHOOLGIRL IN BOLTON
2006: A former soldier known for his acts of bravery has received a seven-year prison sentence after being convicted of raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl.Andrew Kilgour, aged 34 and residing on Chip Hill Road, Deane, Bolton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape committed between July and September of the previous year.
The court was informed that Kilgour, who served with the Territorial Army in both Iraq and Bosnia, had developed a disturbing sexual fixation on his young victim.
The allegations came to light when the girl, who had a prior acquaintance with Kilgour, confided in a school friend, who then shared this information with a family member.
He was detained by police on September 30 of last year.
Initially, Kilgour denied the charges during police interviews, but when forensic evidence was presented, he admitted guilt at his first court appearance.
Defence lawyer Susan Klonin acknowledged the nature of the crimes but highlighted Kilgour’s otherwise commendable life, mentioning his 14 years of military service, including two tours in Bosnia and one in Iraq, during which he was promoted twice and received medals for bravery.
She explained that he was discharged in 2004 following injuries sustained while serving, and also suffered from post-traumatic disorder after witnessing a child die in crossfire.
The judge, Brian Carter QC, sentenced Kilgour to seven years for each of the three offenses, to be served concurrently.
He also mandated Kilgour to register as a sex offender for life and imposed a lifelong ban on working with children.
The judge noted that, despite the seriousness of the crimes, Kilgour’s initial guilty plea indicated a lower risk of reoffending.
