JAMES ROSS FROM LAURENCEKIRK SENTENCED FOR YEARS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND ASSAULT IN ABERDEEN AND ENGLAND

In a case that has shocked the community and brought to light the horrific extent of long-term abuse, James Ross, a 54-year-old man from Laurencekirk, Angus, has been sentenced to a total of nine years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl and a woman.

According to the proceedings held at the High Court in Edinburgh, Ross was found guilty of subjecting a girl to a sustained campaign of sexual abuse that spanned over seven years. The abuse began when the girl was only six years old, a fact that underscores the severity and the prolonged nature of his crimes. The court heard that Ross continued to assault and exploit the girl until February 2000, with the abuse taking place in various locations, including Aberdeen and parts of England.

In addition to the sexual offenses, Ross was also convicted of physically assaulting a woman on multiple occasions. These assaults occurred over an extensive period, from August 1995 to 2006, at different locations within Aberdeenshire. The details of these assaults, though not fully disclosed, contributed to the overall conviction and sentencing.

Ross’s legal representatives, led by Defence QC Mark Stewart, addressed the court, revealing that Ross initially maintained his innocence. However, Mr. Stewart stated that Ross had since accepted his guilt and was resigned to the fact that he would face a lengthy prison sentence. The lawyer also expressed concern about Ross’s role as the sole carer for his wife, highlighting the personal and familial implications of his incarceration.

“He has accepted his involvement in the crimes that he was convicted of. He accepts that he will receive a lengthy prison sentence,” Mr. Stewart told the court. “He is now of the position that he will is willing to enter any programme that will help him address his offending behaviour.”

Judge Beckett delivered the sentence, ordering that Ross serve eight years for the sexual abuse and an additional year for the physical assaults, with the sentences to be served consecutively. The judge emphasized the importance of protecting the public and acknowledged the profound impact of Ross’s actions on his victims.

“The public must be protected from you. The abuse shaped many aspects of your victims’ lives. You will go to prison,” Judge Beckett stated. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of long-term abuse and the importance of justice for victims.