PETER DUFFY SENTENCED FOR LIFE IN OBAN FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Oban, Peter Duffy, aged 55, has been sentenced to life imprisonment following his conviction for a series of heinous child sexual abuse crimes. The offences spanned over a period of 16 years, up until 1997, during which Duffy exploited his position of trust to victimize five young girls.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the case involved Duffy forcing two young girls to dance naked in front of him. The victims, who were between the ages of five and ten at the time, were subjected to a series of degrading acts, including being shown pornographic videos and being coerced into talking explicitly and participating in sexual acts. These acts were carried out in a manner that left a lasting impact on the victims, some of whom continue to suffer from nightmares and emotional trauma.

Among the victims was an 11-year-old girl who, after enduring her abuse, managed to get herself expelled from school and placed into care. Her mother, however, refused to believe her claims of molestation, which delayed intervention and allowed the abuse to continue for some time. Another girl, who confided in her mother about the abuse, was ignored, illustrating the failure of some adults to recognize or act upon the signs of abuse.

During the court proceedings, advocate depute Norman Ritchie QC detailed the extent of Duffy’s misconduct. He explained that Duffy was entrusted with the care of children during the years 1981 to 1997, and admitted to raping one girl when she was between five and ten years old, and another when she was between six and ten. The court heard that Duffy’s abuse was sometimes carried out with both girls present, adding to the severity of his crimes.

Lady Paton, presiding over the case at the High Court in Edinburgh, condemned Duffy’s actions as “terrible crimes.” She emphasized the gravity of his offenses, noting his apparent lack of remorse and the danger he posed to other children. The judge ordered that Duffy serve a minimum of 12 years before he could even be considered for parole, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed his conduct.

Following his conviction, Duffy was placed on the sex offenders’ register and will remain under supervision for the foreseeable future. The court was informed that one of the victims finally found the courage to speak out earlier this year, driven by fears that Duffy might harm another child. She continues to carry emotional scars, feeling shame and distress about her experiences. The other victim still suffers from nightmares, highlighting the long-lasting impact of Duffy’s abuse.

Defense counsel Lewis Kennedy acknowledged that Duffy made “frank and candid admissions” to police during their investigation. A report presented to the court indicated that Duffy posed a high risk of reoffending, though Kennedy noted that his condition might not be curable, but could be managed with appropriate controls. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the devastating consequences when trust is betrayed by those entrusted with children’s safety.