RAYMOND HAY SENTENCED IN KELSO FOR HISTORIC SEX OFFENSES AGAINST TWO GIRLS IN THE BORDERS

In a significant development in the pursuit of justice for past victims, Raymond Hay, a resident of Kelso, has been sentenced to a total of 15 months in prison following his conviction for historic sexual offenses committed against two young girls during the 1980s in the Borders region.

The case was brought before Jedburgh Sheriff Court, where Hay, aged 55 and living on Roxburgh Street in Kelso, faced charges related to acts of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior. These allegations stemmed from incidents involving two girls, one aged between seven and eleven, and the other between four and nine years old.

The accusations detailed that Hay engaged in inappropriate and unlawful acts at a residence in Greenlaw, with the first girl, and on multiple occasions with the second girl. The nature of these acts was described as lewd and indecent, causing significant concern and distress.

Hay initially denied the charges, asserting his innocence throughout the proceedings. However, after a rigorous three-day trial, the jury found him guilty on all counts.

The court sentenced Hay to ten months for one of the charges and an additional five months for the other, reflecting the severity of his offenses. Furthermore, Sheriff Peter Paterson ordered that Hay’s name be entered into the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety.

This case underscores the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse, even when the crimes occurred decades earlier. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities in the Borders to address and prosecute historic offenses, providing a measure of closure for those affected.