DAVID KNOX FROM LARBERT CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LIVINGSTON
| Red Rose Database
Larbert Rapist
In January 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving a young girl who was subjected to sexual assault by a babysitter in the town of Livingston. The perpetrator, identified as David Knox, aged 23 and residing in Larbert, was found guilty by a jury after a detailed trial that revealed the horrifying details of the incident.
According to court proceedings, Knox committed the assault in an upstairs bedroom while the girl’s mother, who was heavily intoxicated, was drinking downstairs. The young girl, only eight years old at the time, was alone with Knox during the attack. The situation took a further disturbing turn when her six-year-old sister, who was in the same household, unexpectedly entered the room during the assault. The younger girl displayed remarkable bravery by providing testimony against Knox, describing the distressing events she witnessed.
The jury at the High Court in Livingston deliberated for approximately three and a half hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. Knox was convicted of the sexual assault, a historic and deeply troubling offence. However, the court noted that an allegation that Knox attempted to rape the older girl was ultimately withdrawn from the case. Knox was acquitted of charges related to raping and attempting to rape the older girl, which were alleged to have occurred between 2010 and 2011. Additionally, he was cleared of two counts of sexually abusing the younger sister in 2010.
Initially, Knox faced a total of eleven charges—nine sexual offences and two related to drug possession. He had consistently denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. The advocate depute, Murdoch McTaggart, addressed the jury during closing arguments, emphasizing that the sexual incidents appeared to have taken place within a short timeframe and in either Knox’s home or the family’s residence. He pointed out that Knox was responsible for supervising the children during these incidents, even if other adults were present.
Regarding the assault involving the younger girl, McTaggart explained that she interrupted Knox during the act and described Knox’s attempt to have sex with her. The prosecutor suggested that the chaotic circumstances within the households might have caused confusion for the young girls, who could be struggling to recall the traumatic events clearly.
Following the verdict, Judge Lady Carmichael ordered social work background reports and deferred sentencing until 27th February at the High Court in Edinburgh. She also immediately added Knox’s name to the sex offenders’ register and notified the Scottish Government of his conviction, in accordance with legislation designed to protect vulnerable groups. The judge expressed a desire to fully understand the background of the case before determining the final sentence, noting potential difficulties indicated by the evidence. While Knox was granted continued bail, the judge clarified that this should not be interpreted as an indication of the eventual punishment he would face.
According to court proceedings, Knox committed the assault in an upstairs bedroom while the girl’s mother, who was heavily intoxicated, was drinking downstairs. The young girl, only eight years old at the time, was alone with Knox during the attack. The situation took a further disturbing turn when her six-year-old sister, who was in the same household, unexpectedly entered the room during the assault. The younger girl displayed remarkable bravery by providing testimony against Knox, describing the distressing events she witnessed.
The jury at the High Court in Livingston deliberated for approximately three and a half hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. Knox was convicted of the sexual assault, a historic and deeply troubling offence. However, the court noted that an allegation that Knox attempted to rape the older girl was ultimately withdrawn from the case. Knox was acquitted of charges related to raping and attempting to rape the older girl, which were alleged to have occurred between 2010 and 2011. Additionally, he was cleared of two counts of sexually abusing the younger sister in 2010.
Initially, Knox faced a total of eleven charges—nine sexual offences and two related to drug possession. He had consistently denied all allegations, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. The advocate depute, Murdoch McTaggart, addressed the jury during closing arguments, emphasizing that the sexual incidents appeared to have taken place within a short timeframe and in either Knox’s home or the family’s residence. He pointed out that Knox was responsible for supervising the children during these incidents, even if other adults were present.
Regarding the assault involving the younger girl, McTaggart explained that she interrupted Knox during the act and described Knox’s attempt to have sex with her. The prosecutor suggested that the chaotic circumstances within the households might have caused confusion for the young girls, who could be struggling to recall the traumatic events clearly.
Following the verdict, Judge Lady Carmichael ordered social work background reports and deferred sentencing until 27th February at the High Court in Edinburgh. She also immediately added Knox’s name to the sex offenders’ register and notified the Scottish Government of his conviction, in accordance with legislation designed to protect vulnerable groups. The judge expressed a desire to fully understand the background of the case before determining the final sentence, noting potential difficulties indicated by the evidence. While Knox was granted continued bail, the judge clarified that this should not be interpreted as an indication of the eventual punishment he would face.