ROBERT WINCH'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN EDINBURGH AND MIDLOTHIAN LEAD TO LONG PRISON SENTENCE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Edinburgh and Midlothian, Robert Winch, a man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term at the High Court in Perth. The court heard that Winch, now aged 63 and residing on Albert Street in Edinburgh, had committed a series of heinous acts spanning over a decade, from 1976 to 1990, involving both a young boy and a girl.

During the proceedings, Lord Burns addressed Winch directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. He stated that Winch’s actions had inflicted damage that would have an “incalculable” and “permanent” impact on his victims. The court was informed that Winch had pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to sexual abuse, which included a catalogue of attacks that took place in Midlothian, a region close to Edinburgh.

Winch’s criminal record is extensive, with previous convictions for lewd, libidinous, and indecent practices against children, both at sheriff and high court levels. He has also been convicted twice of engaging in sexual intercourse with girls aged between 13 and 15. These prior convictions underscore a pattern of predatory behavior that has persisted over many years.

In the recent sentencing, Lord Burns sentenced Winch to five years and seven months in prison. Additionally, he was given an extended sentence of three years to follow his release, reflecting the court’s assessment of the ongoing risk he poses to society. Winch was also ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and supervision.

The court heard that Winch’s offenses occurred during a period when he had already served lengthy prison terms for other crimes against children. The severity of his latest crimes and his history of sexual misconduct led the judge to emphasize the importance of strict supervision upon his release. Lord Burns remarked, “It is vital that you are supervised following your release as it is clear that you present a serious risk to the public and to young boys in particular.”

Further details revealed that Winch admitted to having unnatural carnal relations with a boy under the age of 16 and also attempted to rape a girl aged between 6 and 10. These admissions highlight the disturbing nature of his offenses and the ongoing threat he poses to vulnerable children in the Edinburgh and Midlothian areas.