AYRSHIRE MAN BRIAN MURPHY SENTENCED FOR 7-YEAR PERIOD OF ABUSE

In February 2009, a man from Ayrshire named Brian Murphy was sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting to abusing a young girl over a span of seven years. Murphy, 50 years old, confessed to carrying out the abuse at addresses in Kilbirnie between 1996 and 2003, when the victim was between five and 11 years old.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Brailsford also ordered Murphy to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. Describing the offences as "serious and disturbing," the judge stated, "These are concerning matters and the only way that the court can express its view on such serious matters is by the imposition of a significant custodial sentence."

He added, "These crimes have had a not insignificant effect on the victim. She suffers anxiety, panic attacks and low moods."

Judge Brailsford highlighted that Murphy’s early plea contributed positively to the sentencing, remarking, "I can only think if she had been forced to give evidence in the trial these matters would only have been exacerbated, therefore your early plea has considerable value."