IAIN REID, FORMER POLICE OFFICER FROM BUCKHAVEN AND LEVEN, SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN FIFE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Fife, Iain Reid, a retired police officer with a long-standing career, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. The offences spanned over a period of 17 years, during which Reid exploited his position and the trust placed in him to commit these acts.

Reid, who is now 66 years old, previously served as a detective constable with Fife Constabulary for more than two decades. His career was marred by the dark revelations that emerged during his trial, which detailed a pattern of predatory behavior that took place while he was living in police housing in Buckhaven and later in Leven, both towns within Fife. The abuse began in the early 1980s and continued until 1997, targeting girls as young as three years old.

The court heard that Reid used seemingly innocent gestures and offers to lure his victims into private spaces. He would entice children with sweets, invite them to pat his dog, or, in one case, offer lettuce for a rabbit, all as a means to gain their trust and isolate them. Once alone, Reid would inappropriately touch the children over their clothing and engage in sexual acts, often while encouraging them to perform physical activities such as handstands, during which he would touch them inappropriately while they were upside down.

The trial, held at Falkirk Sheriff Court, lasted five days and involved a jury of ten women and five men. Sheriff Craig Caldwell presided over the case, which resulted in Reid being found guilty on three counts of lewd and libidinous conduct. One of these charges was aggravated by abduction, highlighting the severity of the crimes. During the proceedings, one of the victims recounted the traumatic experience, describing how she could still remember the smell of Reid’s smoky breath as he whispered in her ear before abusing her sexually.

Another victim testified that Reid threw dog treats at her while she sat on the floor, encouraging his dog to sniff her private parts. Yet another girl described how Reid made her perform handstands and then touched her inappropriately while she was upside down. The court was also informed that Reid’s abuse extended beyond the initial victims, with allegations of misconduct involving a fourth girl in 1999, a young mother in 1982, and a teenage girl in the mid-1980s, though these claims were not proven in court.

Throughout the trial, the court heard that Reid had previously been reported for his actions. One victim, who endured abuse over five years, reported her experiences three times before Reid was finally prosecuted. Despite her efforts, no action was taken initially due to a lack of corroborating witnesses. She later reported the abuse again at age 20, believing she had unresolved issues, but again, no charges were brought at that time. It was only after hearing about other victims that she came forward once more in 2014.

Following the guilty verdict, Sheriff Caldwell deferred sentencing until October 27 to allow for reports and ordered Reid to remain in custody. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. The sheriff condemned Reid’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes and the betrayal of trust involved. He described Reid as a “chronic and persistent sexual predator” who exploited his role as a police officer, although the offences were not committed while on duty. The sheriff acknowledged the courage of the victims, particularly the one who endured the longest period of abuse, in coming forward and exposing Reid’s depravity.

Reid’s criminal history also includes military service, having served as a soldier for 12 years before his police career. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the community’s need for justice and protection from such predators. Reid’s release in June 2017, after serving his sentence, has raised concerns among local residents, especially in Buckhaven and Leven, where he previously resided. He is now living in Kirkcaldy, but the shadow of his past actions continues to loom over the community.