PAEDOPHILE JAILED AFTER BEING EXTRADITED FROM THAILAND OVER CHILD SEX ABUSE OFFENCES
In December 2023, John Martin, formerly of Haddington, East Lothian, was brought back to Scotland by officials from the National Crime Agency (NCA), having made his residence in Bangkok years earlier.The 74-year-old, a retired antiques dealer, was arraigned at Edinburgh Sheriff Court and was found guilty of three criminal charges on 25 October 2024.
He was responsible for a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against two young girls, which lasted nearly ten years during the 1980s and 1990s.
The offenses took place across several locations, including Perth & Kinross, Fife, and East Lothian.
Martin was sentenced on 8 November 2024 to a prison term of three years and three months in the same court.
He has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Furthermore, non-harassment orders were issued to prevent him from contacting or attempting to contact the victims for 20 years.
Lynne Barrie, the Procurator Fiscal responsible for Lothian and Borders, remarked: “John Martin is a sexual predator who took advantage of vulnerable young girls over many years, causing substantial trauma.
Thanks to the victims’ bravery in reporting these crimes, justice has now been achieved.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is dedicated to pursuing justice for all victims of sexual abuse, irrespective of when the crimes occurred.
We will work with law enforcement and international agencies where needed to locate and prosecute offenders.
I urge anyone affected by similar incidents to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed.
Your reports will be taken seriously, and we will use all available tools to seek justice.” Duncan Burrage, the NCA’s contact for Thailand, stated: “John Martin believed he could settle abroad and escape the consequences of his sexual offenses against children in the UK.
His arrest and return to Scotland resulted from the concerted efforts of Police Scotland, NCA officers abroad, the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau, and the Thai Office of the Attorney General.
This case exemplifies the NCA’s commitment to tracking down and prosecuting British child sex offenders globally, regardless of the time elapsed.
Our international partners and we will continue to pursue such cases relentlessly.” Police Scotland Sergeant Richard Robson commented: “This was a complicated and disturbing case, and it is only fitting that John Martin faces the repercussions of his vile actions.
My thoughts remain with the victims and their families.
Their courage in reporting these crimes was vital to our investigation.
It is my hope that his sentencing offers them some measure of relief and closure.”
