PETER BEAGRIE'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN PETERHEAD: DRUG DEALER AND SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS

In February 2004, a disturbing case emerged from Peterhead involving a man named Peter Beagrie, who was convicted of serious criminal activities that shocked the local community and highlighted the darker aspects of the town's underworld.

Beagrie, aged 56 at the time, was found guilty of participating in the supply of heroin and cocaine within the Peterhead area. His criminal activities extended beyond drug trafficking, as he also admitted to engaging in sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl, a revelation that added a deeply troubling dimension to his case.

The court proceedings revealed that Beagrie had initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty during the trial. This shift came after two of his alleged victims testified that they had previously lied in court to protect him, with one claiming she had been threatened to do so. The court's decision resulted in Beagrie being sentenced to a substantial 12-year prison term, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Two other men involved in the drug distribution network were also convicted and sentenced. John Geddes, a Peterhead resident, received a three-year sentence, while Robert McCulloch from Hartlepool was sentenced to four years. These sentences were handed down at the High Court in Forfar, emphasizing the seriousness with which the justice system treated the case.

Detective Inspector Willie Findlay, who leads the Grampian Police's drugs squad, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We are delighted with the outcome of the trial and sentences passed.” He further explained that Beagrie had evolved from petty criminal activities over the years into a career criminal, with a particular focus on peddling heroin in the later stages of his criminal life.

While Beagrie was not a user himself, he exploited his reputation to dominate the drug market in the Buchan area. Inspector Findlay revealed that following Beagrie’s arrest, authorities uncovered evidence that he was also exploiting his position by using the lure of drugs to manipulate and coerce young, vulnerable girls in Peterhead.

“He systematically targeted young vulnerable girls in the town,” said DI Findlay. “He was predatory in his methods and has now been placed on the sexual offenders’ register.”

Inspector Findlay emphasized that the lengthy sentences should serve as a strong deterrent to others contemplating similar criminal pursuits in Peterhead, aiming to protect the community from such predatory and destructive behaviors.