GEORGE CAMERON FROM CAITHNESS AND HALKIRK JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL

A 76-year-old man from Caithness has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young teenage girl. George Cameron, a resident of Halkirk, was convicted following a trial that revealed disturbing details of his misconduct. The incident took place on September 12, 2022, and has left a lasting impact on the victim, who is a minor.

During the court proceedings at Inverness Sheriff Court, the jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning a majority verdict of guilty on the charge of sexual assault. The evidence presented over two days painted a troubling picture of Cameron’s actions. The young girl recounted how Cameron initially asked her for “a hug,” which she agreed to, only to be subjected to inappropriate behavior afterward. She described how he kissed her and licked her neck and face, and then proceeded to touch her chest. Following the assault, Cameron allegedly encouraged her to keep the incident a secret, which added to her distress.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution, led by fiscal depute Naomi Duffy-Welsh, detailed how Cameron, a retired maintenance foreman, pulled up his own shirt and pressed his bare chest against the girl’s exposed breasts, pulling her toward him. The girl testified that she felt “scared,” “uncomfortable,” and “distressed” during the ordeal. A recorded interview with the victim was played to the court, in which she explained her efforts to stop Cameron, saying, “I grabbed his wrist and said please don’t.”

The girl’s father reported that his daughter was “shaken and confused” after the incident. A police officer involved in the case described how the girl was “visibly shaking” when questioned. Despite Cameron’s denial of any physical contact during police interviews, forensic evidence contradicted his claims. DNA samples matching Cameron’s were found on the girl’s neck, along with a substance consistent with human saliva. Additionally, DNA matching Cameron’s was detected on her chest and shorts, further substantiating the allegations.

During his own testimony, Cameron dismissed the girl’s account as “absolute rubbish” and repeatedly denied any involvement, answering “I did not” when questioned about the details of the incident. However, the jury did not accept his version of events and found him guilty of sexually assaulting the young girl.

At the sentencing hearing, defense lawyer Mr. Beardmore emphasized that Cameron continues to deny the offence. He acknowledged that, although it was a “contact” sexual offence, it did not involve penetration and argued that Cameron had exercised some degree of control. He also mentioned that Cameron had been assessed as being at low risk of reoffending and requested a non-custodial sentence.

Nevertheless, Sheriff Robert Frazer highlighted the seriousness of the offence, especially considering the victim’s age and vulnerability. The victim impact statement was read aloud, revealing that the girl has been “understandably traumatised” and is now “fearful to leave her home.” In light of these factors, Sheriff Frazer sentenced Cameron to 13 months in prison, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the lasting harm caused to the young victim.