FRASER MURRAY CROY HIGHLAND PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL

A mother from the Highlands was left devastated and heartbroken after discovering that her young daughter had been subjected to prolonged sexual abuse by Fraser Murray, a man from Croy near Nairn. The revelation came to light when the mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous to protect her child's identity, found disturbing entries in her daughter’s diary, which exposed the horrific details of the abuse.

According to court proceedings and the victim’s mother, Fraser Murray, aged 33, had begun abusing the girl when she was just 10 years old. The abuse started around 2014, when the girl was six, after she met Murray through mutual friends in the Highlands. Over the course of four years, Murray repeatedly assaulted her at various locations in his hometown and in a nearby village on the Black Isle. The court heard that his crimes included serious sexual assaults, with some incidents occurring while the girl was sleeping, and that he had taken videos of her undressing during these assaults.

The mother recounted the moment she discovered the extent of her daughter’s suffering. One day in October 2022, as her daughter was on her way to school, she decided to briefly look through her diary. What she read shattered her: the entry read, ‘He raped me again’. The mother described the experience as extremely distressing, revealing that she has undergone extensive counseling to cope with the feelings of guilt and helplessness, but emphasized that the responsibility for the abuse lies solely with Murray. She expressed her outrage, calling him a disgrace.

Further investigation revealed that Murray had been actively abusing the girl for four years, with evidence indicating that he had also taken videos of her during undressing episodes. It was also uncovered that he had remote access to her phone, allowing him to track her location in real-time. This sinister detail meant that he could monitor her whereabouts, even when she was at the police station seeking help. The mother explained that Murray’s ability to track her daughter’s location was a terrifying aspect of his manipulation and control.

Following her discovery, the mother immediately contacted law enforcement. Murray, who was in Moray at the time, was swiftly arrested after police traced him. He was remanded in custody after breaching bail conditions by sending his victim a PlayStation, an act that further demonstrated his disturbing behavior. The mother expressed her disgust, questioning how anyone could do such things to a child and then attempt to make amends by sending her gifts. She also criticized Murray’s false facade of caring for others, which she now sees as a mask hiding his true nature.

Throughout the legal process, Murray delayed entering a plea, causing additional trauma for the victim and her family. The mother highlighted the emotional toll of potentially having her daughter testify in court and relive her trauma. Eventually, Murray pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, sexual abuse of a child, voyeurism, and possession of indecent images. His case was brought before the High Court in Edinburgh, where sentencing took place.

During the sentencing hearing, Lord Fairley, the presiding judge, deferred the final decision to allow for a background report. Today, he sentenced Murray to 10 years in prison, emphasizing the high risk he poses to children. The judge also ordered that Murray be supervised for three years upon release and placed on the sex offenders register for life. Additionally, a non-harassment order was issued, preventing Murray from contacting his victim indefinitely.

The mother expressed her relief and pride in her daughter’s bravery. She stated, “I am glad he has been sentenced. Ten years is long but, as her mum, I would hang him.” She praised her daughter for enduring extensive police interviews and tests, describing her as extremely brave. Her primary concern remains the safety of her family and other children, and she hopes to rebuild their lives despite the challenges ahead. The mother concluded by saying she is pleased that the legal process has concluded and is optimistic about moving forward, although she recognizes it will be difficult.