BARBARA PATRICK OF KIRKCALDY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD ABUSE CASE IN FIFE AND BLACKCRAIKS

A woman from Kirkcaldy has narrowly avoided imprisonment after being convicted of serious historic child abuse charges. Barbara Patrick, aged 76 and residing in Blackcraigs, was sentenced to perform 160 hours of unpaid community service following her conviction on three counts related to offenses committed between December 25, 1982, and August 7, 1985.

During a hearing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, it was detailed how Patrick subjected a young girl to repeated acts of violence over the course of several years. The court heard that she assaulted the girl on multiple occasions by striking her on the head and body with her hand, as well as punching and kicking her. In one disturbing incident, she seized the girl by her hair and pulled it, causing her pain. On another occasion, she grabbed the girl by the head and pulled her from side to side, resulting in injury.

In addition to physical abuse, Patrick was also found guilty of neglecting two girls during the same period. Her failure to provide adequate food and nourishment was deemed to have caused unnecessary suffering or injury. The court emphasized the repeated nature of the abuse, noting that between December 1982 and August 1985, she repeatedly struck the young girl on the head and body, further assaulting her with punches and kicks.

John Patrick, aged 73, was also involved in the case but was excused from appearing in court as he now resides in Azerbaijan. Despite his absence, he was sentenced for his role in the abuse. Between July 11 and 31, 1985, at an address in Fife, John Patrick assaulted a girl aged between nine and twelve. His actions included striking her on the body with his hand, kicking her, lifting her and throwing her across a room, which caused her to hit an unknown object. He also threw her against a chair, breaking it in the process. John Patrick was fined £800 for his part in the abuse.