PAUL WATT SHOCKS LEIGH AND PENICUIK WITH SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION FOR ABUSE IN MIDLOTHIAN
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Leigh and Penicuik, a former psychiatric nurse named Paul Watt has been placed on the sex offenders register following his admission of historical abuse involving a young girl over three decades ago in Midlothian.Watt, aged 48 and now residing in Leigh, near Wigan in Lancashire, confessed to engaging in inappropriate conduct with a girl during his teenage years.
The incidents reportedly took place at a residence in Penicuik between the years 1979 and 1982.
According to court records, Watt admitted to playing 'doctors and nurses' with the girl on two separate occasions when she was 12 years old or younger.
The court heard that Watt's actions involved sexual acts performed on the young girl, whose age at the time was under 13.
The gravity of the case was underscored by the fact that these offences occurred over 30 years ago, yet the repercussions and the need for justice remain significant.
During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, the judge decided to defer sentencing until the following month to allow for a comprehensive background report to be prepared.
Advocate depute Adrian Cottam provided details about the victim’s delayed disclosure, revealing that she did not initially confide in anyone about the abuse.
It was only in 2011, when she was in a relationship with her current partner, that she chose to disclose the full extent of Watt’s misconduct.
Following her disclosure, the victim approached Leith police station to report the offences.
In her statement, she recounted that Watt had admitted to playing 'doctors and nurses' with her during their encounters.
The prosecutor emphasized that Watt recognized his actions as wrong, which was a key point in the case.
Watt’s defense lawyer, Michael Anderson, highlighted his client’s cooperation throughout the legal process, stating, “He has co-operated fully with this whole procedure.” The court’s decision to place Watt on the sex offenders register reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of safeguarding the community from potential future harm.
