GEORGE BALFOUR SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH AND HAWICK FOR DISTRESSING SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

George Balfour, aged 21, has been convicted of a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed against a young girl, with incidents spanning over several years and taking place in both Edinburgh and Hawick. The case, which the presiding judge described as 'distressing,' has garnered significant attention due to the nature and duration of the abuse.

According to court records, Balfour was found guilty of assaulting the girl on multiple occasions between June 2015 and February 2018. The assaults involved pushing her onto a bed, molesting her, removing her clothing, and ultimately raping her. The abuse began when Balfour was just 13 years old, and the victim was only nine at the time. The horrific acts continued until he was 16, marking a prolonged period of trauma for the young girl.

The offenses took place at various addresses, including locations in Edinburgh’s Wester Hailes area and in Hawick, where Balfour resided at Myreslaw Green. The court heard that the young girl was subjected to repeated abuse over these years, with the incidents occurring in different settings within these two locations.

During the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Balfour maintained his innocence, denying all allegations of sexual offending against the girl. Despite his denial, the jury reached a majority verdict on October 13, convicting him of the charges. The court found him guilty of multiple counts of assault and rape, based on the evidence presented.

It was noted that Balfour was a first-time offender who had been on bail since his initial appearance at a sheriff court in 2021. The case was considered particularly serious, prompting the judge, Lord Summers, to order a background report to be prepared before sentencing. Lord Summers emphasized the gravity of the case, describing the evidence as 'distressing' and highlighting the impact of the crimes on the victim.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 2023, with Balfour facing a prison term of two years and nine months. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims of sexual abuse and the ongoing efforts to address such heinous crimes within the Scottish legal system.