ARLINGTON DOUSE FROM ARBROATH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN EDINBURGH

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Arbroath and the wider region, Arnold Dousse, a 69-year-old former soldier, was sentenced to seven years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh for a series of heinous child abuse crimes committed over several years. The court also ordered Dousse to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, emphasizing the gravity and disturbing nature of his offenses.

During the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Dousse appeared in court to face the consequences of his actions after being found guilty of four serious charges related to sexual abuse against children. The charges spanned from 1975 to 1981 and included acts such as inappropriate touching, masturbation in the presence of children, encouraging one boy to touch his sister’s genitals, placing his penis in a boy’s mouth when he was only nine years old, and the rape of a young boy who was just six years old at the time.

The victims, who survived these traumatic experiences, traveled from Edinburgh to witness the sentencing. Outside the courtroom, they were visibly emotional, breaking down in tears and embracing each other as they processed the long-awaited justice.

Lord Armstrong, presiding over the case, described Dousse’s conduct as “disturbing and grave,” condemning his actions as “calculating, manipulating, and predatory sexual abuse of three young boys.” He detailed that the first victim was between five and six years old when the abuse began, the second was nine, and the third was between 12 and 13. The court heard that the abuse spanned nearly six years, from August 1975 to June 1981, and involved a disturbing pattern of sexual misconduct.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Dousse maintained his innocence, denying responsibility for three of the four charges and claiming that his victims had fabricated their stories. Lord Armstrong condemned this stance, stating that Dousse’s actions had “callously robbed all three boys of their childhood innocence.”

One of the victims provided a statement to the court, revealing the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on his life. The court also noted that one of Dousse’s victims had since passed away, adding a tragic dimension to the case.

Legal representative Chris Fyffe highlighted Dousse’s life history, noting his service in the Royal Engineers during his military career, including dangerous bomb disposal operations in Northern Ireland. Fyffe explained that Dousse had lived a “full working life” and had contributed to society through voluntary work with vulnerable adults in his retirement. He acknowledged that Dousse struggled to adjust to civilian life after his military service, which he suggested may have contributed to his difficulties, including alcohol abuse.

Fyffe also pointed out that Dousse’s denial of the abuse was a defense mechanism, but he admitted that his client had taken responsibility for some offenses, specifically those involving a girl, and expressed remorse and concern for his actions.

The case’s history dates back to 1996 when police first received reports of Dousse’s misconduct. He was interviewed twice at that time and made certain admissions, but these were insufficient to bring criminal charges. It was not until 2009, when Dousse unexpectedly visited Arbroath Police Station and made further admissions, that the case gained renewed attention and led to his eventual conviction.

As the court delivered its sentence, the message was clear: society condemns such conduct, and justice must be served to protect vulnerable children from predators like Arnold Dousse.