JAIMI WATT FROM WALLYFORD SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN EAST LOTHIAN

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wallyford and the wider East Lothian area, Jaimi Watt has been sentenced to six years in prison for a brutal assault on a two-year-old girl. The incident, which took place on 16 March of the previous year, involved a series of violent and sexually abusive acts that left the young child with severe injuries and lasting trauma.

According to the High Court in Edinburgh, Watt committed what was described as an 'appalling act of violence' against the toddler. The court heard that Watt punched the girl on the head, inflicted bites and scratches, and engaged in sexual abuse, all of which resulted in injuries so severe that the child refused to open her eyes for an entire 24-hour period following the assault. She required urgent surgical intervention at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh to treat her injuries.

Lord Woolman, presiding over the case, emphasized the gravity of Watt's actions, stating that he would be closely supervised upon release and would remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely. Watt had earlier pleaded guilty to assaulting the child, which caused her severe injuries. The court noted that the assault included punching her in the head, biting, scratching, and sexually abusing her, with the incident leaving a lasting impact on the young victim.

While it remains uncertain whether the child will suffer long-term psychological effects, Lord Woolman acknowledged the potential for enduring trauma. He also pointed out that Watt would have faced an eight-year prison sentence had he not entered a guilty plea, but the sentence was reduced accordingly. The judge described Watt's conduct as an 'appalling act of violence' and justified the extended sentence as a necessary measure to protect the public from the risk he poses.

The assault was so severe that the child's relatives had to rush her to the hospital after discovering her injuries. Medical professionals who examined her described the injuries as some of the worst they had ever seen in a child, with forensic physicians noting genital injuries that were unprecedented in their experience. A consultant paediatrician confirmed that the child's trauma was extraordinary, and she was also found to have a human bite mark on her right thigh, along with a bruised mouth, swollen lip, and scratches.

During the incident, Watt was left in charge of the girl while her mother was at work. A relative arrived to pick up the child for nursery but was shocked upon seeing her condition. The girl was reported to have cried inconsolably during the journey, keeping her eyes shut until the following morning. An examination under general anaesthetic was necessary due to her distress, and the surgeon, Amanda McCabe, described her internal injuries as 'horrific.'

Forensic physician Dr. Michael Kaim stated that the girl would have been in significant pain and appeared as a severely abused child. Evidence indicated that Watt had contacted a friend afterward, describing the girl as having been a 'nightmare.' He later texted that he believed someone had interfered with her, expressing frustration and claiming innocence, saying, 'They have said they think someone has interfered with her, a was the only c— wi her and its no f—ing right. My life is f—ed av no done nothing.'

In an effort to locate Watt, police contacted transport companies and issued a description of him. The following day, a bus driver spotted a man matching the description boarding a bus and paying for a ticket to Wallyford. Police officers stopped the bus at Gullane Golf Club, detained Watt, and found him in handcuffs. During police interviews, Watt refused to comment on the charges against him.

This case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift justice in protecting vulnerable children from such heinous acts.