PETER WILSON FROM POLBETH AND WEST CALDER CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE SEX OFFENCES IN LINLITHGOW BRIDGE
In a case that has spanned over a decade and a half, Peter Wilson, a man originally from Polbeth and West Calder, has been found guilty of multiple charges of indecency involving three young sisters.The incidents, which occurred between 1984 and 1999, have left a lasting impact on the victims and have finally culminated in a conviction that highlights the importance of speaking out against abuse.
Wilson, now residing in Linlithgow Bridge in West Lothian, was brought to justice after a lengthy investigation and a two-day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
The case was particularly poignant because it involved not only the abuse of the victims during their childhood but also the delayed reporting of these crimes, which only came to light when the victims, now adults, decided to speak out.
The first victim, a 25-year-old woman who was working as a store supervisor at the time of the trial, recounted her traumatic experiences.
She revealed that Wilson had sexually abused her when she was between the ages of eight and eleven.
During her testimony, she broke down as she described her feelings of hatred and betrayal.
She explained that Wilson had initially gained her trust by giving her money and encouraging her to buy sweets, a tactic often used by predators to lure young children.
She expressed her frustration and anger, stating, “I hate him, I’ve hated him since he did that to me.
He shouldn’t be allowed to get away with what he did to us.” She also disclosed that she had confided in her mother during her primary school years, specifically in her seventh year, but her concerns were ignored.
Her fear and silence persisted for years, compounded by her belief that nothing would be done to stop Wilson.
Her decision to report the abuse as an adult was driven by her concern that Wilson might harm her younger siblings.
Unfortunately, her fears proved to be justified, as her younger sisters later revealed they had also been victims.
Her 18-year-old sister described how Wilson had molested her when she was between eight and nine years old.
She recounted how Wilson had touched her indecently but had told her to keep it a secret.
She admitted that she wanted to tell someone about her ordeal but lacked the courage until her older sister’s discovery.
Following her sister’s revelations, police questioned the youngest sibling, a 14-year-old girl, who admitted to being abused by Wilson when she was between nine and eleven.
She explained that Wilson had told her not to tell anyone, but when her mother learned about her older sister’s disclosures, she decided to speak out herself.
Wilson, who was living at Chapelton Gardens in Polbeth and West Calder at the time of the trial, denied the allegations.
He claimed that the 25-year-old victim was angry with him because he disapproved of her relationship and believed she had conspired with her younger sisters to fabricate stories against him.
Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty of three counts of indecency committed over a period of fifteen years.
The sheriff, Mhairi Stephen, deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of background reports.
Wilson, who receives disability benefits, was also ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure intended to protect the community and prevent further harm.
The case underscores the devastating impact of childhood abuse and the importance of vigilance and reporting, even many years after the crimes have occurred.
