WILLIAM TURNER FROM WHITECRAIG JAILED FOR SEX OFFENSES IN EAST LOTHIAN

In a significant legal case that has drawn considerable attention in East Lothian, William Turner, a man from Whitecraig, has been sentenced to prison for a series of serious sexual offenses committed over a span of more than two decades. The case, which was heard at the High Court in Edinburgh, revealed disturbing details about Turner's long history of sexual violence against multiple victims.

William Turner, aged 62, faced numerous charges related to sexual assault, including six counts of sex offenses. Despite his initial denial of the allegations, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him on all charges. The court proceedings uncovered that Turner had repeatedly raped one woman at various locations within the Whitecraig area between the years 1980 and 2001. During the trial, the court was informed that the victim had experienced a range of reactions during the assaults; at times she fought back and attempted to resist Turner, while at other moments she succumbed to his actions.

Advocate depute Greg Farrell addressed the jury, stating, “He took what he wanted from her using as much force as required to get it.” This statement underscored the violent nature of the attacks and the coercive tactics employed by Turner.

In addition to these crimes, Turner, who previously operated a chip van business, was also convicted of indecently assaulting a teenage girl when she was just 15 years old. The court heard that Turner’s abuse extended to raping her on multiple occasions. The assaults took place in different locations, including a van parked at a layby in Wallyford and at a residence in Whitecraig.

The court further established that Turner committed another rape between February 1994 and February 1995. This attack involved a third victim, whom he assaulted in a van parked at a layby situated between Prestonpans and Wallyford. During this incident, Turner forcibly removed the woman’s trousers, adding to the severity of his crimes.

William Turner is scheduled to be sentenced next month in Glasgow, where the full extent of his criminal actions will be considered, and appropriate punishment will be determined. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and the local community, highlighting the importance of justice and the ongoing fight against sexual violence.