WARREN GILLESPIE FROM BUCKSBURN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD IN ABERDEENSHIRE

In December 2016, Warren Gillespie, a man from Bucksburn, Aberdeen, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of the heinous crime of raping a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place in Aberdeenshire, where Gillespie had been entrusted with caring for the young girl and other children while their mother went out for the evening. During this time, Gillespie committed the assault, which left the young victim traumatized and deeply affected.

Following the attack, the girl confided in her mother, prompting her to contact the police. Gillespie was subsequently detained and taken in for questioning. During his trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Gillespie was found guilty of the serious charges. As he was led away in handcuffs, he displayed a one-fingered gesture, a sign of defiance, as he was escorted from the courtroom.

Throughout the proceedings, the advocate depute Lisa Gillespie stated that Gillespie had denied the allegations, claiming that the girl had fabricated the story. He suggested that the victim's account was motivated by a reprimand he had given her over the untidiness of her bedroom. However, forensic evidence, including analysis of clothing, supported the girl’s testimony, confirming that she had indeed been assaulted.

Judge Kenneth Maciver QC addressed the court, describing the crime as a serious sexual assault involving a girl of just 12 and a half years old. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting the significant impact it had on the victim’s life. An impact statement presented during the trial highlighted the long-lasting emotional and psychological effects of the assault, which are expected to persist for many years.

Gillespie, who previously worked at a supermarket, admitted to both sexually assaulting and raping the young girl in September 2014 at an address in Aberdeenshire. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from further harm.