MAURICE MACLEOD SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS IN ALNESS AND EASTERN ROSS

In a case that has shocked the community of Alness and the wider Easter Ross area, Maurice MacLeod, a 45-year-old resident of Westford, was sentenced to four years behind bars after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving two young girls. The crimes took place over a span of nearly two years, from February 2009 to December 2010, within a private residence in Easter Ross, a region known for its tight-knit communities and scenic landscapes.

MacLeod's conviction was secured at Inverness Sheriff Court, where a jury found him guilty of four separate sex offenses. The court also heard that he had violated a bail order, further complicating his legal situation. The proceedings revealed that MacLeod maintained his innocence throughout the trial, protesting his innocence despite the jury's verdict. Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood, presiding over the case, expressed his skepticism about the possibility of a community-based treatment order, citing MacLeod's continued denial of the allegations.

During the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Fleetwood emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “You have been convicted by a jury on what they found to be credible and reliable evidence. You abused two children for no other reason than your own perverted sexual gratification. I see no other possible alternative to a prison sentence.” The sheriff also noted that the sentencing had been delayed to allow for a background report to be prepared.

Victoria Dow, representing MacLeod, argued that her client maintained his innocence and that his family believed in his innocence. However, Sheriff Fleetwood dismissed this, remarking, “Unless there is an acknowledgment of a problem, there is no point in seeking a therapeutic disposal.” The sheriff further remarked on the severity of the punishment, referencing the possibility of harsher sentences in higher courts, and said, “He is lucky he is only in my court. He could have been elsewhere.”

Following the conviction, MacLeod was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the seriousness of his crimes and the community's need for ongoing protection. The case has left a lasting impact on the residents of Alness and the surrounding Easter Ross region, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in safeguarding vulnerable children.