PAUL FOTHERINGHAM'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN GLASGOW AND NORTH YORKSHIRE REVEALED

In a disturbing case that spans across two regions, Paul Fotheringham, aged 33, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The abuse first took place in Glasgow, Scotland, when the victim was just five years old, and continued after her family relocated to Devon, England, specifically in Exeter.

According to court proceedings, the assaults began in 1986, when Fotheringham was only 17 years old. The young girl, who was five at the time, was subjected to indecent assaults by Fotheringham, who was living as a lodger in her family’s home. The case revealed that the abuse persisted even after the family moved from Glasgow to Devon, indicating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, Fotheringham denied four charges of indecent assault. However, the court found him guilty of three of these charges. The victim, now an adult, bravely testified about her experiences, revealing that she was terrified of Fotheringham but did not understand at the time that his actions were wrong. She disclosed that she only felt able to speak out about the abuse this year, decades after the incidents occurred.

She recounted her feelings, saying, “It was a recurring thing but at the time I thought it happened to everybody. I remember being terrified and him telling me I was not allowed to say anything.” Her testimony shed light on the long-lasting impact of the abuse and her initial silence out of fear.

Prosecutor Simon Laws emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “There is no doubt at all that sexual abuse of some kind also took place in Glasgow. This defendant admitted it. Offences in Scotland must be prosecuted there.” The case underscores the importance of addressing abuse regardless of where it occurs, and the legal proceedings highlight the cross-regional nature of such crimes.

Fotheringham’s defense argued that he had a history of depression and that he had already confessed to the assaults during medical consultations. Despite this, the court’s verdict confirmed his guilt on multiple counts, bringing a measure of justice for the victim who endured years of silent suffering.