A paedophile who was awarded the MBE for his services to a Fife village has been jailed for nine months.
Trevor Francis, who was convicted of abusing children at St Margaret’s Children’s Home in Elie during the 1970s, hid behind a mask of respectability said police.
Francis, 71, had latterly worked as the station master at Aberdour Railway Station prior to his retirement.
In 2012, he received the MBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace for his contribution to the village of Aberdour.
Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson of Fife’s Public Protection Unit said: “Francis is a prolific offender who hid behind a mask of respectability in the Aberdour community.”
Francis took over as manager of the home in Elie in 1973.
The home was already under the shadow of paedophile David Murphy, who was jailed in 2002 for 15 years after pleading guilty to a sickening catalogue of abuse against young people in his care at St Margaret’s and at another home.
Francis’ offending was reported to police in October 2014 and was investigated by local officers from Police Scotland’s Fife Division, supported by trained officers from the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit who worked to trace and support his victims throughout the process.
He was found guilty at Dundee Sheriff Court on March 30 and sentenced on Tuesday.
A jury of eight men and seven women took two and a half hours to find him guilty by majority of two offences of using lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards young girls and three assaults.
Mr Anderson said: “Thanks to the courage of his victims this veneer has been exposed and Francis has finally been held to account for his actions.
“I would like to thank the victims for their assistance to police during our investigation. They can now take comfort in knowing that their abuser will spend time within prison.
“Police Scotland is committed to investigating any and all reports of abuse, regardless of when the crimes occurred.
“I would strongly urge victims who have not yet reported crimes against them to police, to do so immediately so we can bring those responsible to justice.”
