ANDREW YEAMAN FROM LEITH AND MUSSELBURGH ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE CAR THEFT AND SEX OFFENSES

In a series of troubling incidents spanning several years, Andrew Yeaman, a pensioner with ties to Leith and Musselburgh, has repeatedly found himself at the center of criminal investigations involving car thefts and serious sexual offenses, yet has managed to avoid lengthy imprisonment on multiple occasions.

Back in November 2015, Yeaman, aged 74, was once again spared a jail sentence despite a pattern of criminal behavior that included breaking into vehicles in Edinburgh city centre. Known colloquially as 'Granddad Theft Auto' due to his habit of stealing from parked cars, Yeaman had previously been convicted of a heinous crime in 1998 when he was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping a 10-year-old girl. Despite this, his recent offenses did not result in incarceration.

At a sentencing hearing held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Yeaman was given a nine-month restriction of liberty order rather than a custodial sentence. The court was informed that the elderly man was suffering from ill health, which influenced the decision. During the incident, Yeaman had smashed the rear windows of several locked vehicles and stolen items such as laptops, passports, camping gear, cameras, cash, and jewelry. These thefts occurred at two nearby car parks—one on Greenside Row and another on Elder Street—where he targeted six vehicles in total.

Yeaman’s criminal history in this domain dates back to at least 2013, when he was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service after admitting to 12 similar offenses over a five-year period. His nickname, 'Granddad Theft Auto,' was coined after police released CCTV images showing an elderly man peering into cars, which led to his identification and subsequent arrest.

Originally from Leith, Yeaman, who now resides in Port Seton, East Lothian, is believed to be battling pancreatic cancer, necessitating frequent hospital visits. Sheriff Frank Crowe commented that the cost of incarcerating Yeaman would be exorbitant, given his health issues, and emphasized that the thefts appeared to be driven by some form of thrill rather than financial need, as Yeaman did not seem motivated by money.

In addition to his car-related crimes, Yeaman’s criminal record is marred by a series of disturbing sexual offenses. In May 2014, he appeared in court accused of recording sexual conversations with a five-year-old girl, during which he discussed girls’ underwear and asked about her boyfriends. It was also alleged that he recorded a similar conversation with a 13-year-old girl at his home, between January 2012 and January 2013. The case was adjourned without plea at Haddington Sheriff Court.

Further back, in July 2013, Yeaman, then aged 71, was linked to a five-year crime spree involving the theft of laptops, passports, and suitcases from vehicles in Edinburgh’s city centre car parks, including Greenside, Castle Terrace, and Elder Street. Despite facing 36 counts of vehicle break-ins, he negotiated a plea deal that reduced the charges to 12. His history of sexual offenses, including a 1998 conviction for raping a young girl, cast a long shadow over his criminal profile.

Yeaman’s past also includes a grave sexual abuse case from 1998, where he was convicted of indecently assaulting a girl with learning difficulties, aged 10. He admitted to full sexual intercourse with her four times, as well as other sexual acts, all of which he recorded on video. The court heard that the victim, who had special educational needs, was highly vulnerable, and her family was deeply affected by the trauma. Yeaman was sentenced to nine years in prison for these offenses, which the judge described as 'absolutely appalling' and 'unnatural.'

Throughout the proceedings, Yeaman expressed remorse, acknowledging his wrongdoing and apologizing to the victim’s family. His defense argued that he had no previous convictions for sexual misconduct and that his remorse was genuine. Nevertheless, the court emphasized the severity of his crimes and the impact on the victim and her family, underscoring that such behavior was unacceptable and would not be tolerated.

Despite his criminal past and ongoing health issues, Yeaman’s repeated ability to avoid lengthy jail sentences has sparked criticism from law enforcement officials and political figures. Conservative leaders have voiced concerns that the justice system’s leniency may undermine public confidence and fail to serve as an effective deterrent. A spokesperson for Victim Support Scotland noted the importance of courts imposing appropriate sentences, although they refrained from commenting on individual cases.

In summary, Andrew Yeaman’s case highlights ongoing challenges within the criminal justice system regarding sentencing and rehabilitation, especially for elderly offenders with complex criminal histories. His story remains a stark reminder of the need for balanced justice that considers both public safety and individual circumstances.