ALEXANDER MCBRIDE: EX-POLICE OFFICER FROM GLASGOW AND LIVINGSTON SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD RAPE CASE

In a case that has spanned over three decades, Alexander McBride, a 55-year-old former police officer from West Lothian, was sentenced to seven years in prison for heinous crimes committed against two young girls in Glasgow. The offences, which took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s, involved the sexual assault and abuse of a girl who was only four years old at the time, beginning in 1968, and included an attempt to rape her younger sister.

McBride, who resided at Norman Rise, Dedridge, Livingston, was accused of abusing the children at a residence in Glasgow. Despite the significant passage of time, the impact of his actions was described as profoundly damaging by the presiding judge. Temporary judge Roger Craik QC, presiding at the High Court in Edinburgh, emphasized that although many years had elapsed, the offences had left a “deep and distressing impression” on the victims.

Throughout the proceedings, McBride maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. However, evidence presented in court led to his conviction on multiple sex crime charges. It was revealed that he continued to commit these acts while serving as a police officer, a fact that added a disturbing layer to the case.

During the sentencing, McBride’s legal representative, Jim Keegan QC, highlighted his client’s health issues, including a serious heart condition and other medical problems. The defence argued for leniency, noting that McBride had contributed positively to the community and had demonstrated good conduct since the offences. Nevertheless, the court decided on a seven-year prison term and ordered him to be placed on the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the lasting harm inflicted on his victims.