SCOTT POLLOCK SERIAL RAPIST CONVICTED IN BATHGATE AND WEST LOTHIAN

A man named Scott Pollock has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses after a lengthy trial that spanned over a week. The case, which took place in the High Court in Edinburgh, revealed disturbing details about Pollock's alleged pattern of targeting women across West Lothian, including the town of Bathgate, over a period of more than four years.

Pollock, aged 28 and residing at Headlesscross Farm in Bathgate, was accused of raping and sexually assaulting six women between May 2007 and June 2011. The jury heard that the incidents occurred at various locations within West Lothian, with four of the women providing detailed accounts of their encounters with Pollock, which led to his conviction on charges of rape and sexual assault. The court was told that the offenses spanned from March 2008 to December 2012, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

One of the alleged victims, who was just 16 at the time, recounted her traumatic experience shortly after her birthday in the summer of 2007. She described how Pollock detained her in his car against her will and drove her to a remote rural area near Livingston, also in West Lothian. There, she was sexually assaulted inside his vehicle before he drove her to Bathgate. She explained her feelings of fear and discomfort during the ordeal, stating, "He started talking to me about important sex was. I felt scared and awkward. I felt tense, really tense. I was scared."

During the trial, Pollock chose to give evidence in his own defense. When questioned by the prosecution about his character, he claimed to be a caring and respectful man, stating, "yes." However, the prosecutor, Alex Prentice QC, challenged this assertion, suggesting that Pollock wanted the court to see him as a loving individual despite the serious allegations. Prentice then asked if Pollock believed the women had conspired against him, to which Pollock responded affirmatively, claiming they had done so out of jealousy. The prosecutor pressed further, asking why the women would conspire to falsely accuse him of such grave crimes, and Pollock replied, "I don't know. They're jealous."

Despite Pollock's assertions of conspiracy, the jury dismissed his claims and returned guilty verdicts on all charges. The judge, Lord Ericht, acknowledged the gravity of the case and the responsibility placed on the jury, stating, "You have carried a heavy responsibility in what has been a serious case." Pollock was visibly emotional as he was told he would be placed on the sex offenders register. Bail was continued for Pollock, and the court deferred sentencing to allow for reports on his character to be prepared. The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Edinburgh on July 29, 2016.