PORT GLASGOW MAN WAS JAILED FOR THREE YEARS OVER HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES
A 63-year-old man from Port Glasgow was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting to the sexual assault of a three-year-old girl during the late 1970s.The individual, identified as Anthony Woods, also known as Antonio Perez, was found guilty of crimes committed between 1976 and 1978.
During the sentencing at Edinburgh’s High Court, the judge remarked that Woods had become increasingly isolated, with little interaction with the local community, and highlighted that the young victim was left with a lasting fear of men following the incident.
Woods, who had resided on Highholm Street for 25 years and was described by neighbors as a peaceful and well-behaved figure, faced additional charges including indecency and rape, but these allegations were dismissed because the evidence had diminished with time.
The court noted that this was Woods’ first conviction.
Defence lawyer Mr Crawley QC emphasized that there was no suspicious behavior displayed by Woods, while the girl's father expressed concern, saying, "You know what it's like when you have small children – you’re terrified of all men." Detective Sergeant Longman commented that Woods had returned to the area several times, and he expressed concern about the fact that such incidents could occur within one’s own neighborhood.
Woods was also placed on the sex offenders register.
