ADAM WOOD SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

Adam Wood, a former handyman from Selkirk, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting two teenage girls, including one victim who was raped. The 34-year-old began his abusive behavior in the Scottish Borders while still in his teens. During the High Court proceedings in Edinburgh, Wood was found guilty of three sexual offenses.

A judge stated, “A jury convicted you of three sexual offences against young girls. I must respect that verdict.” The judge added that only a significant custodial sentence was appropriate in this case.

The offenses include an incident in Hawick in 2008 involving a 14-year-old girl, as well as further indecent conduct towards another girl in Hawick and Selkirk, culminating in an assault and rape in July 2013. Defense counsel highlighted that Wood was 18 at the time of the first offense and 23 during the last incident.

Despite his conviction, the judge acknowledged that Wood was relatively young at the time and was primarily viewed as a first-time offender with a low risk assessment. Although Wood initially denied the charges, he was ultimately found guilty. He has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and is subject to non-harassment orders preventing contact with the victims.