GRAHAM EDWARDS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN PORT GLASGOW

In a recent court ruling, Graham Edwards, aged 48 and residing on Methil Road in Port Glasgow, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against vulnerable teenagers. The conviction stems from a lengthy investigation that uncovered Edwards' disturbing pattern of abuse spanning over four years, from January 1996 to December 2000.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Edwards was found guilty of multiple charges involving indecency and sexual assault directed at three young girls. The court heard that these heinous acts took place at a residence in Port Glasgow, where Edwards exploited the trust and innocence of his victims. The judge, Lord Bannatyne, emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “Sexual abuse of children is always a serious matter. Two of the girls were already from damaged backgrounds,” highlighting the additional trauma inflicted upon these vulnerable individuals.

As part of the sentencing, Edwards was informed that his name would be entered into the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community. The case was brought to light following a trial at the High Court in Paisley in February, which detailed Edwards’ disturbing conduct over the years.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Edwards committed a series of sexual offenses involving the three girls, including a particularly disturbing incident at his 40th birthday party, where he sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl. The court established that Edwards engaged in lewd and libidinous practices with one girl over a period from January 9, 1996, to April 19, 1999, beginning when she was just 14 years old. He was convicted on three separate charges related to these acts.

Furthermore, Edwards was found guilty of two additional charges involving a second teenage girl, with the abuse starting when she was only 13 years old, between January 1, 1996, and August 6, 1997. His criminal conduct also included assaulting another 17-year-old girl between June 1, 1999, and December 31, 2000, which encompassed the incident at his birthday celebration. The court’s verdict underscores the severity of Edwards’ actions and the lasting impact on his victims, who were all from vulnerable backgrounds, making his sentencing a significant step in addressing these grave offenses.