LIAM GRIFFIN FROM EAST KILBRIDE AND PERTHSHIRE CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL

A young man with aspirations of becoming a medical professional has been found guilty of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl over a span of nearly a year. The individual, identified as Liam Griffin, aged 19, originally from Markethill Road in East Kilbride, was convicted after a detailed court hearing. Griffin admitted to engaging in inappropriate and illegal acts against the girl, with the abuse taking place between August 2018 and August 2019.

According to court records, the abuse began when the girl was in her final year of primary school, specifically in P7. The incidents reportedly occurred with a disturbing frequency, sometimes as often as every two weeks. The abuse mostly took place during visits to Griffin’s residence, often when the two were alone in his bedroom, creating a situation of significant vulnerability for the young victim. It was only after the girl learned about sex education at school that she fully understood the nature and extent of the abuse she had suffered.

The court proceedings revealed that the last incident occurred when Griffin said farewell to the girl before leaving to visit his girlfriend. Since that time, Griffin has distanced himself from his partner, indicating a recognition of the gravity of his actions. During the hearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court, the prosecution highlighted Griffin’s expression of deep remorse and his acknowledgment of the profound impact his misconduct had on the victim. The defense argued that Griffin should be supervised within the community to help him address the issues that led to his offending behavior.

Judge Thomas Millar delivered the verdict, ordering Griffin to serve a three-year supervision order and to be registered as a sex offender for the same duration. Additionally, Griffin was placed under a six-month electronic tagging order, which restricts his movement between 7pm and 7am. Despite being assessed as a low risk of reoffending and showing remorse, Griffin’s actions have had severe consequences. He has lost his opportunity to pursue a career in medicine and has also been dismissed from his job as a result of the conviction.

The court also heard that Griffin was initially unaware that his behavior was wrong. This lack of understanding was later reinforced through the girl’s sex education lessons, which helped her recognize the abuse. The sexual misconduct was reported following an argument with the victim’s sister, bringing the case to court. Throughout the proceedings, Griffin displayed remorse and was made aware of the serious legal and personal repercussions of his actions, which have significantly altered his future prospects.