PAUL MOFFAT FROM MORAY SENTENCED FOR ABUSING FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN GLASGOW

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community in Moray and beyond, Paul Moffat, a 30-year-old man from Hopeman, Moray, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses against a young girl. The abuse came to light after the victim, a four-year-old girl, confided in nursery staff about the traumatic experiences she had endured.

The incident dates back to a period between January 2014 and April 2015, during which Moffat allegedly subjected the child to repeated acts of sexual assault at an address in Kinloss, Moray. The severity of the case was highlighted during the proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow, where the court heard detailed accounts of the abuse and the impact it had on the young victim.

According to court reports, the girl described her attacker as a “rat” and expressed that what he had done was “really bad.” Her innocence and the clarity of her testimony played a crucial role in bringing the case to justice. The court was informed that the girl did not have to testify in person; instead, footage of her police interview and social worker sessions was presented to the jury, ensuring her protection and minimizing trauma.

Prosecutor Sheena Fraser emphasized the importance of the child's disclosure, stating, “The police were called in and the girl revealed more information to her mother about what Moffat had done.” This revelation prompted a police investigation that uncovered further evidence linking Moffat to the crimes.

Despite the serious allegations, Moffat maintained his innocence, denying all charges and claiming that the girl was lying. The investigation revealed that searches had been made on his computer and phone for terms such as “pre-teen sex,” “Lolita,” and “pre-teen underwear model.” Moffat argued that he had no control over his devices, claiming they were accessible to others due to lack of passwords.

During the trial, the court also viewed a recorded interview of the girl conducted by police and social workers, as well as a separate questioning session with Moffat’s defense advocate, David Moggach. The evidence was compelling enough for the jury to find Moffat guilty of the serious charges.

Judge Lord Matthews sentenced Moffat to eight years in prison, describing the case as “particularly unpleasant” and emphasizing the innocence of the young girl who suffered at his hands. The judge also ordered Moffat to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the critical role that children’s disclosures play in uncovering abuse. It also highlights the devastating impact such crimes have on victims and their families, prompting ongoing discussions about safeguarding and justice in communities across Moray and Scotland as a whole.