JOHN WILSON FROM BOGHALL SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS AND POSSESSING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In August 2008, a disturbing case emerged involving John Wilson, a resident of Boghall, who was convicted of heinous crimes involving the abuse of two young girls and the possession of indecent images of children. Wilson’s actions have shocked the local community and prompted a serious legal response from the judicial system.

Wilson, who was formerly living on Andrew Avenue in Boghall, was found guilty of multiple charges related to child abuse and the possession of obscene material. The court heard that his criminal behavior was fueled by an interest in obscene child pornography, which ultimately led him to commit acts of sexual abuse against two vulnerable girls. The severity of his misconduct was compounded by the fact that he used his dog as a tool to threaten and intimidate his young victims, adding a disturbing layer to his crimes.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, it was revealed that Wilson’s computer contained a cache of paedophile images and videos, including material depicting bestiality. Authorities seized his computer equipment and discovered that Wilson had actively searched for, downloaded, and shared such illicit content. The forensic examination of his hard drive confirmed these findings, with investigators uncovering 140 indecent images and videos of children, along with evidence that he had been distributing this material.

The court was informed that Wilson’s interest in obscene material was a significant factor in his abusive behavior. He admitted to three charges of indecent conduct committed at a house in West Lothian between 1999 and 2006, as well as an additional charge of indecent assault. One particularly disturbing incident involved Wilson being left alone with a 14-year-old girl while her family attended church. During this time, he entered her bedroom, pushed her onto a bed, performed a sexual act on her, and then held his dog against her, further traumatizing the victim.

It was also revealed that Wilson had previously molested the same girl when she was younger, while he was left in charge of her in her mother’s absence. The girl’s subsequent behavior became aggressive and violent, leading to her being referred for anger management. Another victim, an 11-year-old girl, was also subjected to abuse by Wilson, highlighting the extent of his predatory behavior.

Police interviews with one of the victims in June 2006 led to the discovery of the illicit images stored on Wilson’s computer. Advocate depute Adrian Cottam explained that the forensic team found Wilson had actively searched for and downloaded images of bestiality, in addition to the indecent images of children. Wilson admitted to viewing and downloading the material, claiming curiosity as his motive.

Wilson, aged 46 at the time, earned approximately £30,000 annually as a service engineer. His defense argued that he had no prior criminal record, and his solicitor, Jim Keegan, emphasized this point during the trial. However, the judge, Lord Malcolm, described Wilson’s conduct as “despicable” and highlighted his lack of remorse and insight into the harm caused. The judge noted that Wilson’s failure to acknowledge the severity of his actions was particularly troubling.

While the court considered a potential sentence of 13 years, Wilson was ultimately sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison due to his guilty pleas. Additionally, he was ordered to be supervised for a further five years following his release and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. The judge’s decision reflects the gravity of Wilson’s crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to the community of Boghall and beyond.