JAMES MORROW'S REIGN OF TERROR IN GOUROCK: SHOCKING CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN GREENOCK

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Inverclyde community, James Morrow, a man with a troubling criminal history, has been convicted of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl in Greenock. The incident took place in January of this year, at a residence in Greenock, where Morrow, who resides in nearby Gourock, took advantage of the young girl during a visit.

The young victim, overwhelmed with fear and confusion, confided in her mother after the assault, revealing what had happened. Her mother, deeply distressed, immediately contacted the police to report the incident. The authorities responded swiftly, and Morrow was taken into custody shortly thereafter.

At the recent hearing held at the High Court in Glasgow, the court was informed that Morrow was already on the sex offenders’ register for life, a consequence of his previous conviction in England during the mid-1990s for raping a stranger. Morrow had served a 14-year prison sentence for that offense. Despite his prior conviction, he was released from prison in 2004 and had been living in Gourock, a fact that was well known to the girl and her family.

The court proceedings revealed the disturbing circumstances leading up to the assault. The child had been asked to tidy her bedroom but initially refused. Morrow was present at the time and offered to help her, which provided him with an opportunity to commit the assault. The young girl, frightened, asked, “What are you doing?” to which Morrow responded dismissively, “Nothing.”

It was only after Morrow left the house that the girl confided in her brother and later her mother, who was described as “very upset” by the incident. The police detained Morrow, who initially appeared confused and asked officers, “Tell me what it’s all about?” However, he chose to remain silent when questioned further.

The prosecutor, Angela Gray, stated that prior to the attack, the girl was “bubbly and talkative,” but since the incident, she has refused to return to her bedroom and has become “quiet and subdued.” Her mother submitted a victim impact statement on her behalf, though no further details were disclosed during the hearing.

During the court appearance, Morrow appeared to offer a brief apology as he was led away to the cells, but the victim’s relative shouted back, “Sorry does not cut it.” The judge, Lord Burns, remanded Morrow in custody until sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in Livingston on May 9. The case has been adjourned for further reports to be prepared, as the community grapples with the gravity of this heinous crime committed in Gourock and Greenock.