GARRY DUNCAN FROM PERTH CONVICTED OF HISTORICAL SEXUAL ABUSE INVOLVING TWO YOUNG GIRLS NEAR CRIEFF

A 61-year-old man from Perth, Garry Duncan, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to historical sexual abuse involving two young girls. The crimes, which occurred over a decade ago, have now led to Duncan's name being officially added to the sex offenders’ register, a decision made at the conclusion of a jury trial held at Perth Sheriff Court this week.

Garry Duncan, who resides on Scott Street in Perth, faced serious allegations that spanned several years. The court heard that he was convicted of an amended charge of engaging in lewd, indecent, and libidinous conduct towards the first girl, who was only 12 years old at the time the abuse began. These incidents took place at a house near Crieff between April 13, 2003, and April 13, 2005. The court detailed that Duncan entered the girl’s bedroom uninvited, approached her bed, and placed his hand beneath the covers. He then proceeded to rub an intimate area over her underwear, an act that constituted a serious breach of her safety and trust.

In addition to the first case, Duncan was also convicted of abusing a second girl, with the incidents occurring at the same residence. These acts took place between November 1, 2006, and October 31, 2008, when the girl was 13 years old. The court revealed that Duncan again entered her bedroom while she was sleeping, approached her bed, and touched her inappropriately. Furthermore, he committed another offense against her during the same period, where he physically seized her by the body, pulled her into his lap, and placed his hand under her clothing to rub an intimate area with his fingers.

Throughout the trial, Duncan maintained his innocence, denying all charges brought against him. Despite his denials, the jury found sufficient evidence to convict him of the charges. The court is now set to determine his sentence and the duration for which his name will remain on the sex offenders’ register, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for September 3. At that time, background reports will be considered to inform the court’s decision.

This case highlights the serious nature of historical sexual abuse allegations and the ongoing efforts of the justice system to hold offenders accountable, especially in cases involving vulnerable young victims. Duncan’s conviction underscores the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, regardless of the passage of time.