The mother of an 11-year-old child sexually abused by a Peebles Paedophile publican, James Thomson, expressed her relief upon witnessing his incarceration.
James Thomson, aged 68, has been sentenced to 46 months in imprisonment and placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, following his conviction for the assault on a minor in 2017.
James Thomson has also been convicted of a distinct sexual attack on a lady, whom he indecently assaulted at the age of 15, as well as for making sexually degrading remarks to two other women in a series of allegations originating from 2003.
The specifics of the charges are rather graphic to disclose.
“It is justice for each of his victims,” the woman stated to Radio Borders. It is acknowledged that some victims are unable to attend court today due to their profound anguish. All have received justice, and he has obtained his due consequences.
“Would I have preferred it to be more?” Highly probable. However, we are assured that we can progress, as he will not be roaming the streets; our safety is secured while he is incarcerated.
James Thomson was found guilty of seven offences after a week-long trial and appeared for sentencing today with his bags prepared.
The Edinburgh Sheriff Court observed that the first offender, who was expelled from his residence after his conviction last month, shown little remorse and was assessed as a “medium risk” for re-offending.
Following the review of the victims’ impact statements, Sheriff Robert Fife characterised James Thomson’s targeting of young, vulnerable females as “despicable, deplorable, and disgusting,” further asserting that the harm inflicted was “immeasurable.”
He stated that there was no substitute for a jail sentence, eliciting tears and a “thank you” from the audience in the public gallery.
The mother of James Thomson’s youngest victim, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, disclosed that her child now experiences anxiety and PTSD due to the abuse.
She stated, “She has endured significant hardship in maintaining friendships and relationships due to trust issues, so I am hopeful that this sentence will provide closure to all his victims.”
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