JAMES THOMSON AND HIS SHOCKING CRIMES IN PEEBLES

In a serious development at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, the accused, James Thomson, has faced the full weight of justice after being convicted of heinous crimes committed in Peebles. The court heard detailed accounts of Thomson’s disturbing behavior, which involved the targeting of particularly vulnerable young females, revealing a pattern of predatory conduct that the judge described as 'despicable, deplorable and disgusting.'

The case garnered significant attention due to the grave nature of Thomson’s offenses, particularly the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl. The victim’s mother expressed her relief and a sense of justice, commenting on her feelings after Thomson was sentenced. It was revealed that Thomson, aged 68, was sentenced to a total of 46 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to be listed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, as part of the court’s efforts to monitor and prevent future offenses.

The trial, which lasted a week, resulted in Thomson’s conviction on seven charges. These included the assault on the young girl in 2017, a separate sexual assault on a woman he also assaulted when she was only 15, and multiple charges of making sexually humiliating remarks to two other women, with some of these allegations dating back to 2003. The graphic details of some of the charges are not disclosed to protect the victims’ identities and sensitivities.

Following his conviction, Thomson was observed to have shown no remorse for his actions. Witnesses and legal proceedings indicated that he was quickly driven out of his home in Peebles after his conviction last month. Court officials and the judge characterized him as a 'medium risk' of re-offending, emphasizing that his lack of remorse and the severity of his actions warranted a custodial sentence.

During the sentencing, Sheriff Robert Fife read impact statements from the victims, highlighting the immeasurable damage caused by Thomson’s predatory behavior. The judge described his targeting of vulnerable young females as 'despicable, deplorable and disgusting,' underscoring the profound and lasting harm inflicted upon his victims. The court concluded there was no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence, a decision that moved many in the courtroom to tears and elicited a heartfelt 'thank you' from the public benches.

One particularly poignant statement came from the mother of Thomson’s youngest adolescent victim, who chose to remain anonymous to protect her child's privacy. She explained that her daughter now struggles with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The mother expressed her hope that the sentence would provide some measure of closure and peace for all of Thomson’s victims, acknowledging the long-lasting scars left by his actions. Overall, the court’s judgment aims to serve justice for those affected and to uphold community safety in Peebles and surrounding areas.