DEREK PEACE FROM FAULDHOUSE INVOLVED IN HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN ARMADALE, WEST LOTHIAN

In a deeply distressing case that has left a lasting scar on a young woman’s life, Sarah-Jane, now 23 years old, has come forward to recount the traumatic experiences she endured at the hands of her stepdad’s brother-in-law, Derek Peace. The incident, which took place when she was just 12 years old, has haunted her for years and has led her to consider legal action against her own mother, who she claims invited her abuser to reside in their family home.

Sarah-Jane revealed that her ordeal began in her early teens, around the age of 12 or 13, when Peace, who was approximately 27 at the time, started abusing her. She described him as a large, burly man who exploited her vulnerability, knowing that she felt isolated and that her accusations might not be believed. Her mother and stepfather, instead of protecting her, allowed Peace to become a part of their household in Armadale, West Lothian, which she described as a decision that worsened her suffering.

According to Sarah-Jane, Peace’s predatory behavior was relentless. He would pick her up from school, often driving her to a remote country park in his car, where he would assault her. Sometimes, the abuse occurred even before she left for school in the mornings. She recounted a particularly disturbing incident where Peace entered her bedroom and began touching her while she was in bed. The constant threat and manipulation made her feel helpless and terrified.

Her cries for help eventually led her to take action. Sarah-Jane ordered her mother’s partner, Hall, to contact the police, which resulted in Peace’s arrest. In 2000, he was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for having sexual intercourse with a minor. However, Peace served only half of his sentence and has since completed a decade on the sex offenders’ register. Despite his release, the scars of his abuse continue to affect Sarah-Jane deeply.

Sarah-Jane shared that the trauma was so overwhelming that she attempted to take her own life following her ordeal. She expressed her anger and betrayal, stating, “That guy murdered my childhood. The whole thing just makes me feel sick.” She also revealed that her mother kept most of the £7,500 compensation awarded to her, which has added to her feelings of betrayal. She claims her mother received the money but did not support her during her recovery.

Currently, Sarah-Jane is trying to rebuild her life. She is living with her partner and hopes to regain custody of her three children, who were taken into care due to her past struggles. However, her efforts have faced setbacks, including a recent probation for her and her partner, Greg, after they were caught committing a sex act in a phone box.

In a recent statement, Hall, now residing in Blackburn, West Lothian, expressed remorse for not recognizing the abuse earlier. She said, “I didn’t know she was being abused. If I’d realised, I’d have protected her.” She also denied allegations that she kept most of the compensation money, asserting, “I gave Sarah a big chunk of that money.”

As for Peace, the convicted abuser from Fauldhouse, he has maintained a distant silence since his release from prison. He stated, “I’ve not seen Sarah since I got out of jail,” indicating a complete disconnection from the victim and the ongoing pain his actions have caused.