A foster carer who subjected two little girls to repeated serious sexual assaults has been jailed for 10 years.
Rhoderick McGregor, 59, subjected the two children to sexual abuse ordeals in Kirkcaldy, between January 2006 and February 2014.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard how McGregor sexually abused the children at locations in his home town.
Police became aware of his criminal activities after his courageous victims reported him.
‘Appalling course of criminal conduct’
On Friday, judge Lord Beckett heard how McGregor was a first offender who had battled health problems.
However, the judge told him he no other option but to send him to prison for his crimes.
Referencing a background report, he said: “I recognise that at the age of 59, you are a first offender and these offences occurred some years ago.
“You have not previously been sentenced to imprisonment and it will be difficult for you.
“However, you have been convicted of an appalling course of criminal conduct involving the sexual abuse of young and very vulnerable children.
“You have shown no insight, no victim empathy and no remorse whatsoever.”
‘I was so frightened and I told him to stop’
McGregor was found guilty by a jury on two charges of rape and one of sexual assault, between 2006 and 2014.
One girl was eight when he began abusing her and he raped and sexually assaulted the child on various occasions.
The other child was six when the abuse began.
Recordings of this girl’s evidence were played to the jury during the trial.
She said: ”As he hugged me, he touched me in places he shouldn’t have.
“I was so frightened and I told him to stop.
“I asked him to stop so much, but he just wouldn’t.
“He said: ‘This is a secret. Don’t tell anyone.’”
She reported the abuse but was not initially believed
She said: “I found the courage to tell someone and I wasn’t believed.
“To not be believed really did hurt. I can’t remember who it was I told.”
Maintains innocence
On Friday, defence advocate Ian Duguid KC told the judge his client was a first offender and maintained his innocence.
He said McGregor had poor health in recent years and had a stroke and eyesight problem.
“There is no doubt that a significant custodial sentence is appropriate for offences of this type
“He gave evidence denying of any of these three offences and continues to have that position.”
Lord Beckett placed McGregor on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
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