IAN HIGHTON FROM KYLE OF LOCHALSH SENTENCED FOR DECADE-LONG SEXUAL ABUSE IN WESTER ROSS

In a case that has shocked the community of Kyle of Lochalsh and the wider Wester Ross area, Ian Highton, aged 54, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of subjecting a young girl to a prolonged period of sexual abuse spanning over ten years. The disturbing case came to light after the victim and her family secretly recorded conversations with Highton, which ultimately led to his arrest and prosecution.

The abuse began when the girl was still in primary school, with Highton, a resident of Kyle of Lochalsh, initiating contact that quickly turned sinister. Over the course of a decade, Highton engaged in a series of criminal acts, including multiple sexual offences, the possession of indecent images of children, and the act of showing such images to the young girl. The offences took place across Wester Ross between June 2006 and June 2016, a period marked by Highton's calculated and sustained abuse.

Details of the case revealed that Highton’s actions included not only sexual assault but also attempts to strangulate the girl, an act he described as a 'kink' to the victim. He also bought her lingerie, whips, handcuffs, and a sex toy when she was only 12 years old, further illustrating the disturbing nature of his misconduct. The girl, now a teenager, eventually confided in a family member and her boyfriend about the abuse, which prompted the police investigation.

The police became involved after the recordings of conversations between Highton and the girl were handed over to authorities. During these recordings, Highton admitted to his actions, which confirmed the allegations against him. His lawyer, Laura-Jane Macnaughton, stated that Highton requested the revocation of his bail, expressing his awareness of the inevitable long-term imprisonment he faced.

At Inverness Sheriff Court, Sheriff Margaret Neilson described Highton’s background report as “extremely depressing,” emphasizing the severity and duration of his criminal conduct. She noted that Highton had shown no remorse for his actions and instead sought to blame the victim and her family. The sheriff highlighted the gravity of the offences, describing them as some of the most disturbing she had encountered in her career. Had Highton not pleaded guilty early, the sentence would have been extended to seven and a half years.

Highton was immediately placed on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes. The court’s decision underscores the community’s concern over safeguarding children and the importance of holding offenders accountable for such heinous acts. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of sexual abuse and the necessity for vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable individuals in Wester Ross and beyond.