JAMES SCOTT FROM LINWOOD SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN EDINBURGH AND PAISLEY

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Paisley, Linwood, and Edinburgh, James Scott, aged 51, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against two young girls decades ago. The crimes, which spanned from the early 1980s, involved the abuse of a girl aged just six and another aged 12, with the abuse taking place in houses located in Paisley and Linwood.

Scott’s criminal actions came to light only in 2000, when one of the victims decided to report the abuse to the police. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that had remained hidden for years. Scott, who was living in Etcham, Surrey at the time of sentencing, had previously admitted to abusing the girl who was 12 years old at the time, during 1981 and 1982. His crimes included not only sexual assault but also physically assaulting her by head-butting her after a sexual act.

He also pleaded guilty to abusing the other girl, who was only six or seven years old at the time, with incidents occurring in both Paisley and Linwood. The court heard that Scott’s abuse was both frequent and invasive, involving acts such as climbing into bed with the younger girl, warning her not to tell anyone, and making her perform sexual acts on him. The older girl was subjected to increasingly invasive sexual contact, including being touched inside her nightdress and being pushed down onto a couch, where Scott forcibly removed her clothing and assaulted her, even head-butting her when she resisted.

Lord Brodie, presiding over the case at the High Court in Edinburgh, described Scott’s behavior as “selfish, cruel, wicked, and damaging,” emphasizing the profound and lasting impact on the victims’ lives. The court was told that the younger girl suffered from psychiatric issues following her abuse, becoming withdrawn, unhappy, and battling depression. She sought treatment at Dykebar Hospital and later found the strength to come forward and report her ordeal to the police.

The older victim experienced a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including feelings of helplessness, guilt, and confusion. Her trauma was so severe that she had not fully recovered even after 27 years. The court heard that Scott’s abuse was often carried out under the influence of alcohol, with one incident involving significant force and violence, including head-butting and dragging her by the hair.

Despite the severity of his crimes, Scott’s defense argued that he expressed remorse for his actions. Lord Brodie acknowledged that he would have sentenced Scott to eight years in prison, but the sentence was reduced due to his guilty plea. The judge also highlighted that Scott’s behavior was extremely serious and warranted a lengthy custodial sentence.

In his remarks, Lord Brodie stressed that prison was the only appropriate response to such grave offenses, underscoring the importance of justice for the victims. Scott’s case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting damage caused by sexual abuse and the importance of bringing perpetrators to justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the crimes occurred.