DEREK ADAM FROM ROTHIENORMAN SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN ABERDEENSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Rothienorman and the wider Aberdeenshire area, Derek Adam, aged 41, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of eleven years after being found guilty of sexually abusing three young girls over a period spanning more than a decade. The heinous crimes committed by Adam, a local farmer residing at The Gammons in Rothienorman, were described by the presiding judge as 'selfish, cruel, and damaging,' reflecting the profound impact of his actions on his victims.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Brodie addressed Adam directly, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. He stated, “These were offences committed against three young, and indeed, little girls.” The judge further condemned Adam’s conduct, asserting, “In a real sense you betrayed these girls. Your behaviour was, in my view, selfish, cruel and from the terms of the narrative and two victim impact statements, damaging.”

While acknowledging Adam’s status as a first-time offender, Lord Brodie noted that he was “thoroughly and deeply ashamed” of his actions. As part of his sentence, Adam was also ordered to remain under supervision for an additional four years following his release from prison, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.

Adam had earlier admitted to three counts of indecent behaviour towards the girls during the court proceedings. The court was informed that the abuse inflicted upon the first victim began when she was just two or three years old, with the misconduct continuing over a decade until March 2007. The young girl has struggled to forget the traumatic memories, which have left her with severe difficulties sleeping and a fear of darkness.

The second victim, who was nine years old when the abuse started in 2000, was subjected to oral sex acts by Adam. She has since experienced flashbacks and nightmares, prompting her family doctor to refer her to a specialist counsellor who works with survivors of childhood abuse.

The third girl, who was only seven when Adam began abusing her in 2001, eventually disclosed her experiences after consulting a psychologist. Her decision to speak out led to police involvement. She now finds it difficult to leave her home or engage in social activities, indicating the lasting psychological scars left by Adam’s actions.

During the trial, defence counsel Frances McMenamin QC described Adam as genuinely remorseful for his conduct. She emphasized that he appeared to be in need of help and expressed confidence that he was willing to participate in any rehabilitation programs available to him. McMenamin also highlighted that Adam has the potential to reintegrate into society and hold a worthwhile job in the future, asserting, “He is somebody who is capable of having a worthwhile job again in the future. He is not a lost cause.”