TERENCE DUDDY FROM LIVINGSTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN EDINBURGH

In a case that has spanned over three decades, Terence Duddy, a 65-year-old man from Livingston, has been sentenced to three years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young girls. The crimes, which occurred more than 30 years ago, involved disturbing acts committed against one girl from the age of six until she was 12, and another girl between the ages of ten and 14.

On the day of sentencing, Sheriff Alistair Noble emphasized the severity and prolonged nature of the abuse, stating that custody was “inevitable” given the circumstances. He remarked, “What was involved was sexual abuse over a period of years. That abuse started when one girl was aged six and in the circumstances I do not think there is any way of avoiding custody.” The court heard that the abuse was not a one-time event but occurred regularly, approximately every three or four weeks, during the period from May 8, 1972, to September 10, 1981, at an address in Edinburgh.

Prosecutor Aidan Higgins detailed that after each incident, the victims were instructed to keep their experiences secret and were told not to tell anyone, adding a layer of psychological manipulation to the physical abuse. Duddy, who had previously pleaded guilty, admitted to the charges during the court proceedings.

Defense attorney Nigel Bruce argued that the offenses took place over 30 years ago and expressed remorse on Duddy’s behalf. He highlighted that his client is ashamed of his actions and acknowledged the impact on the victims. Bruce also assessed Duddy as being of low risk of re-offending, emphasizing that there has been no similar behavior since the incidents occurred. He appealed for the court to consider a sentence other than imprisonment.

Despite these pleas, Sheriff Noble decided to impose a custodial sentence and also ordered Duddy to be placed on the sex offenders register, reflecting the seriousness with which the court viewed the case and the need for ongoing monitoring of his conduct.