MIDLOTHIAN PREDATOR JAILED FOR TWO YEARS AFTER ATTACK ON EIGHT-YEAR-OLD CHILD
A man who committed multiple heinous sexual offenses against an eight-year-old girl has been sentenced to prison and is now registered as a sex offender.Mark Crosbie, aged 52, targeted his young and vulnerable victim by exposing himself, forcing her to touch his genitals on occasions at a residence in Loanhead, Midlothian.
He also placed his tongue in the child's mouth, stroked her thighs, and told her to expose herself, with these acts occurring between June 2004 and June 2006.
In addition, Crosbie made sexual comments to two other victims, including talking about his penis size and staring at a teenage girl’s breasts.
Crosbie, who lives in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, was arrested and charged after one of his victims, now an adult, reported the abuse to authorities.
The accused, who works as a self-employed painter and decorator, denied all allegations but was convicted of four charges after a four-day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this year.
During sentencing on May 15, police intervention was necessary when Crosbie’s family members shouted insults at supporters of the victims.
Three women were forcibly removed from the courtroom, with one exclaiming, “Are you f***ing joking?
We know the truth,” and another directing abuse as she was led out by a police officer.
Defence lawyer Kenneth Woodburn stated that Crosbie maintained his innocence but acknowledged the court’s authority and accepted the guilty verdict.
Mr.
Woodburn indicated that, despite crossing the custody threshold, Crosbie could be considered for a community-based sentence, including unpaid work and supervision.
Judge Graeme Watson emphasized to Crosbie that he had been convicted of very grave charges, noting the defendant’s lack of remorse or understanding of his misconduct.
The judge highlighted the serious impact on the victims, especially considering the offenses happened in secrecy over several years, with high levels of harm and lasting effects.
Considering these factors, the judge concluded that only custodial detention was suitable.
Crosbie was sentenced to 24 months in prison and will be on the sex offenders register for ten years.
