A Fife man has been jailed today for the sexual abuse and rape of two young girls.
Alexander Hunter was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today after he was found guilty of seven charges of sexual offences including Lewd, Indecent & Libidinous Practices, and Assault & Rape.
The 66-year-old man carried out the rape and abuse of his victims on various occasions between 2005 and 206.
When he began targeting the girls, they were aged seven and eight.
Hunter was handed a 12-year extended sentence with nine years in custody when he appeared at court today.
His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Non-harassment orders, banning Hunter from contacting or attempting to contact his victims, were also granted for an indefinite period.
Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, Katrina Parkes, said: “Alexander Hunter posed a danger to young girls by exploiting his position of trust in the worst possible way.
“The trauma these victims suffered was at the forefront of our minds during this prosecution. It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Hunter’s offending that he has now been brought to justice.
“We would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to come forward - regardless of how much time has passed. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”
Jurors heard how Hunter intimidated the girls into not disclosing what he was doing to them to the authorities.
However, the children came forward and told police.
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Defence advocate Kenneth Cloggie told Lady Ross that prison was inevitable for his client.
He said: “Mr Hunter continues to deny the offences.”
Police Scotland Detective Constable Emma Moyes, from Fife’s Public Protection Unit, added: “Hunter showed utter disregard for the impact these crimes would have on his victims and their families.
“I know it can be incredibly difficult for people to report incidents of this nature and we know how challenging this case has been for those involved.
“We are wholly committed to investigating child abuse, regardless of when the crimes took place, and will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”
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