STEPHEN MCCAFFERTY SENTENCED IN KILMARNOCK FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRLS IN AYRSHIRE

A man from Cumnock, identified as Stephen McCafferty, has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving two young girls under the age of 13 across various locations in Ayrshire, including Kilmarnock and Irvine. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over several years, culminating in a conviction that has left the victims' families both relieved and disappointed.

McCafferty, aged 42 and residing on Richmond Terrace, appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court to face sentencing after a jury found him guilty on five charges following a trial held in April. The court heard that his crimes began in December 2016 when he sexually assaulted his first victim at an address in Irvine. The abuse was not a one-time event; McCafferty continued to assault the same girl multiple times during that month and in the months that followed. His offenses extended into January 2017 and persisted until August 18, 2018. During this period, he engaged in repeated acts of sexual assault, including an incident in August 2018 where he exposed himself to her by standing naked behind a door.

In addition to the abuse of the first girl, McCafferty also committed offenses against a second young girl, also under 13, between June 2021 and April 2022. These crimes took place at various locations in Kilmarnock and Ayr. His misconduct included performing a sexual act in front of her and exposing her upper chest by unzipping her clothing, actions that caused significant distress and trauma.

During the sentencing hearing, the court was informed that McCafferty had no previous convictions, and his solicitor, Kevin Corr, requested a lenient, non-custodial sentence, citing his client’s good work history. However, the presiding sheriff, Murdoch MacTaggart, emphasized the severity of the crimes and stated that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate. The sheriff highlighted that McCafferty had “betrayed the trust” of his victims and that the gravity of his offenses warranted a strict punishment.

Ultimately, McCafferty was sentenced to two years in prison. Following his release, he will be subject to supervision for an additional year and will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The families of the victims expressed their disappointment with the length of the sentence, feeling it did not fully reflect the seriousness of the crimes. Nonetheless, they expressed some relief that McCafferty was jailed and that he will be on the sex offenders register, which aims to protect the community from potential future harm.