A FORMER US marine has been convicted of sexual abusing two boys and a girl.
James Ledbetter’s crimes took place in Texas and Scotland over 14 years. A deal was struck between US prosecutors and the Crown Office that the case should be tried in Scotland.
At the High Court in Glasgow, Mr Ledbetter, 53, from Falkirk, who worked as a security guard denied all the charges against him and claimed his victims were lying.
He was asked by prosecutor Alan Cameron: “You are saying they conspired together to fit you up,” and he replied: “Yes, that’s what they are trying to do. I didn’t molest anybody and why I’m here I don’t know.” He then went on to claim that SNP councillor Irene Hamilton, a former pen pal who sponsored his initial two-year entry visa into the UK, may have played a part in him being brought to court.
Mr Cameron said: “She’s a local councillor what levers of power can she possess,” and Mr Ledbetter replied: “And a depute provost, I believe.”
The court heard that Mr Ledbetter is now on an indefinite stay visa after being sponsored by his wife Laura, 53, a former nurse, who gave evidence on his behalf. She said: “We were left devastated by the allegations.”
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