A Fife paedophile who targeted children for more than four decades has been convicted at the High Court in Livingston.
Bryan Grimes was found guilty of abusing children in a catalogue of “horrifying” offences spanning from 1975 to 2017.
The 58-year-old was convicted of nine offences which included physical and sexual assault, and rape.
His victims were boys and girls under the age of 16.
Over a 42-year period he preyed on children in the Anstruther, Methil, Leven, and Cumnock areas.
Detective Inspector Mark Petrie from the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: “Grimes committed the most appalling crimes against young people who trusted him.
“He has shown no remorse for his actions and subjected the victims to the distress of a trial process.
“The horrifying acts he inflicted upon the victims will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives and supporting them remains our priority.
“I want to thank the victims for their bravery and courage to come forward and assist us with our inquiries – it is thanks to them that Grimes will now face the consequences of his actions and I sincerely hope they can begin to put the ordeal behind them.
“Police Scotland will always investigate any reports of child abuse, no matter how long ago the crimes occurred, and we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
In October 2017, officers from the Public Protection Unit based in Fife began inquiries into Grimes.
The case was handed to specialist officers from Police Scotland’s National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, who continued the investigation.
Grimes was subsequently arrested and charged in January.
He will return to court for sentencing at a later date.
Police Scotland has urged anyone with concerns relating to child abuse to contact officers on 101, or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Grimes’ offending continued despite a conviction at Perth Sheriff Court in 1995, when he was sentenced to three months in prison for indecently assaulting two young girls in Crieff.
The paedophile, who lived in Methil at the time, was found guilty after trial of indecently assaulting girls aged 12 and 13 between January 12 and March 14, 1994.
