MICHAEL CAMERON FROM CARDROSS AND ELGIN JAILED FOR 18 MONTHS OVER DECADE-LONG SEX ABUSE IN MORAY

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Moray, Michael Cameron, a man with ties to both Cardross and Elgin, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison following a lengthy campaign of sexual abuse against children that spanned more than ten years. The offences took place at various properties in Elgin and Portknockie, with Cameron, who was residing in Cardross, admitting to the charges earlier this year. His appearance at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday marked a significant moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for his victims.

During the court proceedings, Fiscal Fraser Matheson detailed the disturbing nature of Cameron’s crimes. He revealed that on one occasion, the 47-year-old man managed to coax a young girl into performing a sexual act, subsequently instructing her to keep the incident a secret. The court was told that Cameron made further attempts to persuade an 11-year-old girl to repeat the act, but she refused to comply. These actions highlight the manipulative tactics Cameron employed to exploit vulnerable children.

In addition to these incidents, Cameron was also accused of exposing his naked body to a 16-year-old girl while watching pornography, an act that further underscores the predatory behavior he exhibited. The court heard that these offences were part of a broader pattern of sexual misconduct involving multiple victims over an extended period.

Defence lawyer David Moggach addressed the court, explaining that Cameron’s own upbringing in a family environment marked by sexualised behaviour had influenced his actions. Moggach stated, “He has been exposed to sexualised behaviour during his own upbringing in the family home, and this has had an effect on him subconsciously.” The lawyer emphasized that Cameron fully accepts responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that they were wrong and expressing remorse. He also noted that Cameron shows victim empathy and recognizes the impact his behaviour may have had, both at the time and potentially continuing to affect him.

Sheriff Olga Pastportnikov, after reviewing the victim impact statements, expressed her conviction that both victims remain significantly affected by Cameron’s actions. She sentenced him to 18 months in prison, with an additional extended sentence of 12 months to follow upon his release. Furthermore, she ordered Cameron to be placed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the need for ongoing monitoring.

Earlier in February 2016, Cameron had already admitted to a campaign of sexual abuse against three children, which included a seven-month period of obscene misconduct against one victim during the 1990s. He also confessed to engaging in lewd, indecent, and libidinous acts towards two other minors, as well as a case of public indecency involving a teenager. At that time, his address was listed as Kirkton Road, Cardross, Glasgow. Cameron is scheduled to return to Elgin Sheriff Court on March 3 for sentencing, having since left his previous residence. The case underscores the importance of justice for victims and the ongoing efforts to combat child abuse in the Moray region.