ROBSON PEREIRA SHOCKS KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE WITH SERIAL SEX OFFENDER REVELATION AND JAIL SENTENCE

In October 2014, Robson Pereira, a man well-known in the Kirkcudbrightshire community for his charitable work and his role as the owner of Kirkclaugh Stables near Gatehouse of Fleet, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses. Pereira, aged 50 and originally from Brazil, had cultivated an image as a respectable figure who dedicated time to helping disabled children by offering free horse and carriage rides. His reputation as a community benefactor was well-established, and he was considered a pillar of the local area, with many residents unaware of the dark secrets he harbored.

However, the truth about Pereira’s conduct was uncovered after a courageous victim came forward and reported her assault to the police. This led to the launch of an extensive investigation, codenamed Operation Topcoat, which scrutinized all individuals who had contact with Pereira at his stables. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning over eight years, from February 2004 to July 2012, during which Pereira raped two women and sexually assaulted four others.

During the High Court proceedings in Glasgow, the court heard harrowing testimonies from his victims, who described Pereira’s behavior as disgusting, creepy, intimidating, and wholly inappropriate. The charges against him ranged from inappropriate touching—such as rubbing a woman’s leg—to full-fledged rape. Despite his seemingly respectable public persona, Pereira exploited his position as the owner of a riding school to manipulate and abuse vulnerable women and girls.

Among his victims were three young girls who visited the stables out of their love for horses, and a woman who had given him a lift in her car, during which he inappropriately rubbed her leg. One of the women, a devout Christian who believed in abstinence before marriage, testified that Pereira raped her when she was just 16 years old. She recounted her feelings of violation and the difficulty she faced in reporting the incident, fearing repercussions and wishing to preserve her sanctuary at the stables.

Another victim, aged 44 and who had returned from the West Indies to give evidence, described how Pereira initially appeared charming but later subjected her to forced oral sex and rape, leaving her feeling used and objectified. She detailed how the abuse persisted over several months, culminating in spring 2012. Pereira, during police interviews, admitted that if the allegations were true, he deserved to be imprisoned for life. Throughout the trial, Pereira maintained his innocence, claiming that all sexual encounters were consensual and accusing his accusers of jealousy, particularly towards his then-16-year-old partner, Emily Priddy.

He also alleged that some women were angry over financial disputes involving horses and accused others of dishonesty. Pereira claimed he was subjected to a campaign of intimidation, including vandalism of his vehicle, being followed, and verbal abuse directed at him and his partner in Newton Stewart. Despite these claims, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of multiple sexual offenses, including rape and sexual assault.

In addition to his prison sentence, Pereira faces deportation back to Brazil once his term concludes. The court also ordered that he be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The case drew significant attention, with 58 individuals, including MP Russell Brown, writing to the UK Border Agency in his support, which initially helped Pereira secure permission to remain in Scotland despite his visa having expired in 2010.

Judge Lord Malcolm emphasized the gravity of Pereira’s actions, stating that his exploitation of his community standing and trust placed in him warranted a substantial custodial sentence. The judge also highlighted that the defendant’s behavior was a betrayal of the community’s trust and that his actions had caused lasting harm to his victims. Pereira showed no visible emotion as he was led away to begin his sentence, marking a stark end to a case that shocked the residents of Kirkcudbrightshire and exposed the hidden darkness behind a seemingly benevolent community figure.