JAMES THOMSON FROM ROTHESAY SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF FIVE GIRLS IN GREENOCK AND ROTHESAY

In a case that has spanned over six years of disturbing criminal activity, James Thomson, aged 61, has finally been brought to justice for a series of heinous offenses committed against young girls in the Greenock and Rothesay areas. The lengthy legal process culminated in his conviction at Greenock Sheriff Court on Tuesday, after a comprehensive 12-day trial that revealed the extent of his predatory behavior.

Thomson’s crimes involved targeting vulnerable children as young as eight years old, with incidents dating back to 2002. The case initially faced delays due to procedural complications and Thomson’s health issues, which postponed his trial for several years. However, justice was ultimately served when a jury of fifteen members reached a majority verdict, finding him guilty of five separate charges involving five different victims, all aged between eight and fifteen at the time of the offenses.

The court heard harrowing testimonies from the victims, who recounted how Thomson had gained their trust through relatives before subjecting them to abuse. One young girl, now an adult, tearfully described a camping trip to Kilcreggan when she was just ten years old. She explained how Thomson had placed his hand under her top and down her trousers while they were lying in a tent, an act that left her visibly distressed.

Another victim recounted an incident at Thomson’s residence on Fancy Farm Road in Greenock, where he inappropriately touched her while she was playing with friends. The jury also convicted Thomson of lewd behavior towards a girl in a parked car near the KFC outlet at the Waterfront. The now 18-year-old victim testified that Thomson stroked her thigh and neck before kissing her on the cheek, all while she sat terrified in the vehicle.

Further evidence revealed that Thomson had abused a 13-year-old girl within his home by watching her in a state of undress and placing his hand under her T-shirt. Another young woman, aged 15 at the time, described how Thomson drove her to the back of a building on Eldon Street, where he detained her against her will. During this incident, he grabbed her arm, repeatedly placed his hand on her thigh, attempted to unbutton her clothing, and refused to let her leave the vehicle.

Initially charged with ten offenses against nine girls, Thomson saw four charges dropped during the trial, and one additional charge involving a 12-year-old girl was not proven. Throughout the proceedings, Thomson had moved from his residence on Fancy Farm Road to a house on High Street in Rothesay. The crimes spanned from June 2, 2002, to October 31, 2008.

Following the verdict, Sheriff John Herald deferred sentencing to allow for background reports. The defense, represented by solicitor Aidan Gallagher, requested bail, but this was denied. Sheriff Herald emphasized the severity and number of charges, stating, “In my view, a custodial sentence is almost inevitable.” Thomson was immediately placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and remanded in custody until the completion of the pre-sentence reports, which are scheduled to be prepared by the end of the month.