COLIN MCKISSOCK FROM BELLINGE AND PRESTWICK SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN NORTHAMPTON AND AYR

In a series of disturbing criminal cases spanning several decades, Colin McKissock, a man with ties to Bellinge and Prestwick, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous acts of child sexual abuse. The severity and duration of his crimes have shocked communities and prompted legal action that underscores the gravity of his offenses.

In April 2022, McKissock, aged 70 and residing at Lasham Court in Bellinge, was sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison at St Albans Crown Court. The court found him guilty of 13 separate charges, including eight counts of indecent assault on a male, three counts of indecency with a child, and two counts of indecent assault on a female. These convictions followed a trial held in February, during which the evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of a man who exploited his position and manipulated vulnerable children for his own perverted gratification.

The victim, a woman who chose to remain anonymous for legal reasons, delivered a powerful victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing. She recounted how McKissock initially gained her trust by offering sweets, cigarettes, vodka, and other enticements, only to subject her to prolonged abuse. She described her experience as being akin to a “child sex worker” for him, highlighting the manipulative and predatory nature of his actions. Her emotional testimony revealed the long-lasting trauma she endured, including her struggles with fear and shame, which led her to avoid police stations for years. She described her torment as being a “tortured, frantic, soul,” and detailed her repeated efforts to seek help, including walking past police stations in a desperate attempt to find the courage to report her abuse.

Throughout her testimony, she characterized McKissock as a “deluded, conniving, sly trickster” who would do anything or say anything to gain access to children. Despite his claims of innocence—asserting that he never discussed sex with children and did not keep pornography in his home—his denial was met with skepticism by the court. His barrister, Angharad Hughes, highlighted his health issues, including bladder cancer, and noted that the offenses occurred over 30 years ago. She also described him as a functioning alcoholic at the time of the crimes.

Judge Richard Foster, presiding over the case, condemned McKissock’s actions, stating, “You have been a sexual predator. You used your charm to groom children to gratify your own perverted sexual desire.” The judge emphasized that McKissock showed no remorse and remained in denial, which contributed to the decision to impose a lengthy sentence. McKissock was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with an additional two-year extended license period, allowing for the possibility of recall to prison until he reaches the age of 88. Furthermore, he is required to register as a sex offender and adhere to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.

It is noteworthy that McKissock had previously served a three-year sentence in 2017 for offenses committed against the same woman, who was then a child, during the 1980s. During that earlier trial, evidence revealed that he exposed himself, showed her pornographic films and magazines, performed sex acts in her presence, used a sex aid, and persuaded her to expose herself and perform sexual acts. He was also found guilty of indecent practices and behavior towards another woman.

Adding to his criminal record, in March 2017, McKissock, then aged 65 and residing in Prestwick, was convicted of similar offenses involving a young girl in Ayr. The jury found him guilty of exposing himself, showing her pornographic material, and performing sexual acts in her presence. These incidents occurred between April 24, 1982, and April 23, 1983, when the girl was between 11 and 13 years old. The court also heard of similar behavior in a car in the Carrick Hills and at Neilshill House, Neilshill Park, within Ayr, during 1983 and 1984. McKissock’s misconduct extended to a girl’s friend, aged between 10 and 11, whom he also subjected to sexual exploitation, including exposing himself and making sexual comments.

At the sentencing hearing before Sheriff Desmond Leslie, McKissock’s defense solicitor, Victoria Dow, argued that he was of low risk of re-offending and suggested a community-based sentence might be appropriate, given his age and the absence of recent allegations. However, Sheriff Leslie condemned his manipulative use of charm, wealth, and privilege to exploit children, emphasizing that the crimes, committed over three decades ago, did not diminish their seriousness. The sheriff expressed concern over McKissock’s lack of remorse and the devious nature of his offenses, ultimately sentencing him to three years in prison. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the ongoing threat he poses to the community.

These cases serve as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of child abuse and the importance of vigilant legal action to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior. The communities in Bellinge, Prestwick, and Ayr are left to grapple with the revelations of these crimes, which have brought to light the disturbing extent of McKissock’s predatory conduct over many years.