GAVIN FORRESTER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN JAIL IN ANGUS FOR CHILD ABUSE

In May 2007, Gavin Forrester, a 63-year-old former resident of Nursery Caravan Park in Brechin, Angus, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a series of child abuse offences spanning from the 1960s to 1980. Forrester had initially denied the charges involving two boys and two girls, but following his conviction, he confessed to a social worker that he had committed the abuse.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the abuse began when one victim was only five years old. Lord Mackay, presiding over the case, remarked, “It is quite clear to me listening to the evidence that your conduct over those years has had a lasting effect on the lives of your victims. They will never forget what you did to them.”

Forrester was convicted of 12 separate charges related to the children, which occurred between 1965 and 1980. The court learned that the children were molested at various locations, including houses and parks in Kirkcaldy and Auchtermuchty, Fife. One of the victims was assaulted and coerced into engaging in sexual acts at public toilets near Waverley railway station in Edinburgh.

During sentencing, defence lawyer Chris Shead requested that the judge consider Forrester’s age and declining health. However, Lord Mackay responded that a “substantial prison sentence” was necessary, emphasizing that the victims had been compelled to relive their trauma in court, sometimes many years after the actual events.

As part of his sentence, Forrester was placed on the sex offenders’ register. The judge also stated that he would refer Forrester’s case to Scottish Ministers under child protection laws to determine further measures.