JEFFREY RICHARDSON FROM BROXBURN EDINBURGH AND WHITBURN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON DISABLED TEENAGER

In August 2014, a disturbing case of sexual assault involving a school bus driver from the West Lothian area has come to light, resulting in a significant legal consequence for the offender. Jeffrey Richardson, aged 47, who was employed as a bus driver, was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl with special needs and subsequently sentenced to nine months in prison.

The incident took place on October 31 of the previous year in Broxburn, West Lothian. Richardson, who was responsible for transporting students, had removed the girl’s escort before driving his minibus along a narrow lane. During this journey, he engaged in a sexual act by sticking his tongue down the teenager’s throat. Witnesses, two men passing by on their way to work, observed what appeared to be a couple kissing intimately in the front of the vehicle. However, upon noticing the men, Richardson quickly pushed the girl away. The witnesses then realized that the girl looked to be about seven or eight years old, despite being 16 years old, due to her condition. She was wearing a school jumper, which further contributed to their concern.

The two men, alarmed by what they saw, contacted the police immediately. It was later clarified during court proceedings that the girl suffered from Smith-Magenis Syndrome, a chromosome deficiency that severely impairs her ability to consent to sexual activity or understand its consequences. This condition rendered her incapable of giving informed consent, making Richardson’s actions a clear case of abuse.

Richardson, who had previously pleaded guilty to the charges, appeared before Livingston Sheriff Court to face sentencing. His actions were described by the court as a “gross abuse of trust,” given his role as a caregiver and the vulnerability of the victim. As a consequence of the case, Richardson was compelled to relocate from Whitburn to Edinburgh, a move that was likely influenced by the court’s findings and the public nature of the case. During the sentencing hearing, Richardson appeared with a full beard, possibly attempting to alter his appearance.

His defense lawyer, Alan Jackson, acknowledged Richardson’s guilt and highlighted the personal difficulties he had endured. Jackson explained that Richardson’s marriage had ended, he had lost his job, and he would never be able to work as a taxi driver again. The lawyer emphasized that Richardson had suffered significant personal setbacks, but also pointed out the seriousness of his actions. Jackson argued that the public interest might be better served by community-based measures aimed at addressing underlying issues and challenging Richardson’s denials.

However, Sheriff Susan Craig was unequivocal in her judgment. She stated that custody was the only appropriate punishment for Richardson’s conduct. She detailed how Richardson, after dismissing the girl’s escort, drove the vehicle to a secluded spot where he committed the assault. The sheriff noted that the assault was witnessed by two bystanders who initially believed they were observing a passionate embrace between two adults. It was only later that they realized the victim had special needs and was being subjected to a sexual assault.

Sheriff Craig acknowledged that Richardson’s background and personal difficulties might provide some context but did not excuse his behavior. She emphasized that the victim, a young girl entitled to respect and protection, was grossly abused. The court’s decision was clear: only a custodial sentence could adequately reflect the gravity of the offense, and the nine-month term was at the higher end of the sentencing scale.

In addition to his imprisonment, Richardson was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years. The sheriff also pointed out that while supervision and support could be provided outside prison, the primary purpose of the sentence was punishment, not therapy.

Outside the courtroom, the girl’s grandmother expressed her relief and satisfaction with the sentence. She stated, “This is not the first time he tried to get my granddaughter on her own. He was grooming her for a long time. We’re glad he’s off the streets and that he’ll never be in a position to do this again.”