LACHLAN GILLIES FROM TYTTENHANGER SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN ST ALBANS

In a case that has shocked the local community of St Albans, Lachlan Gillies, a 29-year-old resident of Tillage Close, Tyttenhanger, has been sentenced to four years in prison for serious sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The conviction was handed down at St Albans Crown Court, where Gillies was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of indecency with a child.

These offenses date back to 1999, when Gillies was just 14 or 15 years old. During that period, he engaged in a disturbing pattern of sexual misconduct involving a nine-year-old girl. The court heard that Gillies had coerced the young girl into performing a sexual act on him on three separate occasions, and he had raped her once. The details of these acts emerged during the trial, which revealed the extent of the abuse inflicted upon the vulnerable victim.

Throughout the proceedings, Gillies maintained his innocence, denying the charges. However, his legal representative, Andel Singh, disclosed that Gillies had since admitted his guilt to a probation officer, who subsequently prepared a report on his mental state and remorse. Mr. Singh emphasized that Gillies expressed genuine remorse for his past actions, stating, “There is a genuine sense of remorse from Mr. Gillies about the way he behaved as a young man. He feels disgusted with himself. The whole episode has been eating away at him for the whole of his life.”

It was also revealed that Gillies had confided in his then-partner about the abuse in 2008. Despite this, the police were not contacted until January of the previous year, when another woman came forward with allegations. This delay in reporting meant that the victim, who was young and vulnerable at the time, had kept her ordeal secret for many years, fearing she would not be believed.

The judge, Judge Stephen Warner, addressed Gillies directly during sentencing, condemning his actions and emphasizing the impact on the victim. He stated, “The victim was young, vulnerable and confused. You used her as an outlet for your sexual urges. She told no one for many years. She did not think she would be believed.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Gillies was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to protect the community and ensure ongoing monitoring of his conduct. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of St Albans, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of childhood sexual abuse.