HURLFORD MAN DAVID MORRIS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN AYRSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hurlford and the wider Ayrshire region, David Morris, aged 68, has admitted to a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The court proceedings revealed the horrifying details of the abuse, which spanned over a decade and took place at two different addresses within East Ayrshire.

According to court records, Morris began assaulting the girl when she was only five years old. The abuse persisted from 1976 through 1986, with the victim, now 43 years old, eventually coming forward to disclose her suffering after many years of silence. Her courage in speaking out led to Morris’s arrest and subsequent court appearance. The victim’s mother initially believed her daughter was experiencing typical childhood bullying, but the young girl confided in her later, revealing the extent of the trauma she endured.

At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court, Morris, a father of three, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including lewd and libidinous behavior and sexual assault. The court heard that the young girl endured pain and fear during the assaults, which left her feeling embarrassed and ashamed, preventing her from revealing the abuse earlier. The court described the acts as “disgusting and deplorable,” emphasizing the severity of Morris’s actions.

During the hearing, the prosecution detailed how the abuse affected the victim’s life. She was subjected to repeated assaults at different locations in Hurlford, with incidents occurring at her home and other addresses. The court was told that Morris would sometimes carry the girl downstairs or into her bedroom, where the abuse would take place while she pretended to be asleep, frozen with fear. Her mother, noticing her daughter’s frequent crying and withdrawal, suspected that something was wrong but was unaware of the full extent of the abuse until much later.

When questioned by police, Morris expressed remorse, stating, “How sorry can I be? It was so stupid and there’s nothing I can say.” The judge, Sheriff Seith Ireland, condemned the offenses as “extraordinarily serious” and indicated that the case was severe enough to warrant consideration of a higher court for sentencing. The court also noted the long-lasting impact on the victim, who later struggled with alcoholism and emotional trauma.

In February 2013, Morris faced additional charges related to the abuse, which included three counts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior. The prosecution recounted that the victim, at just six years old, was first assaulted when Morris entered her room and carried her downstairs, causing her pain. The abuse continued at another address, with Morris abusing her in her bed while she feigned sleep out of fear. Her mother’s suspicions grew as her daughter became increasingly withdrawn and emotional.

It was only years later that the victim confided in her husband and mother about her childhood experiences. Her husband confronted Morris, who initially denied any wrongdoing but later expressed remorse when threatened with police action. The abuse was formally reported to authorities in May of the previous year. During police interviews, Morris admitted to his behavior, describing it as “silly” and “stupid,” and expressed regret, saying, “How sorry can you be? I was so stupid.”

Defense counsel requested that bail be maintained pending further background checks, but the judge, Sheriff Ireland, reminded Morris of the gravity of his crimes. The court deferred sentencing until March 12 to allow for a social work report and risk assessment. Morris was also placed on the sex offenders’ register, underscoring the seriousness of his offenses and the community’s need for ongoing monitoring.