PAUL COWIE FROM NEAR INVERURIE, ABERDEENSHIRE, CONVICTED OF SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES

Paul Cowie, a man residing near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, has been found guilty of sexually abusing an underage girl in a case that attracted considerable public and media attention. The High Court in Edinburgh described his actions as an 'extremely grave serial sexual offending in respect of a child aged between 11 and 14.' The 54-year-old was convicted by a majority verdict on two charges of sexual assault and rape after a trial. Although Cowie has a history that includes 15 previous conviction groups, he had never been incarcerated prior to this case.

Cowie's crimes took place between 2013 and 2016, starting when the girl was just 11 years old. Evidence presented in court revealed that he showed her sex toys, made sexual comments, coerced her into performing sexual acts, and sexually molested her. Despite his denial of the allegations, the jury found him guilty. Following the verdict, the judge ordered Cowie into custody and mandated that he be placed on the sex offenders register.

The court also requested a background report and risk assessment, suggesting that a significant custodial sentence is likely. Cowie was remanded into custody immediately after the guilty verdicts, as he had been on bail during the trial, which was subsequently revoked. A date for sentencing has been scheduled for next month.