WILLIAM RIGBY OF HELENSBURGH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN GLASGOW

In October 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving William Rigby, a 53-year-old man from Helensburgh, who was found guilty of heinous crimes against young children. The incident took place at a residence in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, where Rigby was babysitting a five-year-old girl while her mother was out for dinner. During this time, Rigby engaged in sexually abusive behavior, which he subsequently recorded on his mobile phone. The footage included him raping the young girl, an act that shocked the court and the community alike.

When the girl returned home around midnight, she was visibly upset and tearful, telling her mother that something had happened. Confronted with her daughter's distress, the mother questioned Rigby about the incident. Rigby initially claimed that the girl had misunderstood the events, offering a vague apology and leaving the house shortly afterward, stating, “I am sorry if she misunderstood what happened.”

However, police quickly intervened. They seized Rigby's mobile device and uncovered a series of disturbing video clips, including footage of him raping the child, who was dressed in her pajamas at the time. The investigation also revealed an additional 34 indecent images of children stored on his phone. Rigby later admitted to the police that he believed he should be “punished” for his actions.

Further inquiries uncovered a pattern of predatory behavior extending back to 2006, with Rigby having preyed on two other young girls, one aged four and the other six at the time of abuse. Rigby confessed to indecent and sexual assault charges related to these victims, describing one incident as an act committed on “impulse.”

During the court proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Lady Stacey sentenced Rigby to a lifelong restriction order, a measure akin to a life sentence, with a punishment part set at seven years. The judge emphasized the severity of Rigby’s crimes, stating, “That does not mean you will be released then. It may be you are never released. You will be in prison until there is any hope of you not being a danger to young girls.” She further condemned Rigby’s betrayal of trust and the harm inflicted upon the children, highlighting the ongoing risk he posed to the public.

Rigby’s actions had a profound impact on the young girl involved, who, after the assault, expressed her fear and confusion. The court was told that Rigby’s behavior was part of a disturbing pattern of abuse, and authorities moved to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, which could result in a lifelong restriction order. The case remains under review, with sentencing deferred until the assessment is completed, underscoring the gravity of Rigby’s offenses and the community’s concern for public safety.