ALEXANDER MCCOMISH SHAMES DALKEITH WITH DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE REVELATION

In a case that has resurfaced disturbing memories from the 1970s, Alexander McComish, a 72-year-old resident of Dalkeith in Midlothian, was brought to justice after being accused of indecently assaulting two young girls over a span of three years. The incidents, which occurred during the mid-1970s, only came to light after the victims, now adults, decided to confront their abuser decades later.

The court proceedings, held at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, revealed that McComish began his abusive behavior in July 1973, targeting two girls aged just 10 and 13 at the time. The assaults took place at various addresses across Midlothian, with the abuse continuing until July 1976. The details of these acts, which involved inappropriate touching and lewd conduct, were confirmed during the hearing.

It was only in 2009 that the victims, having kept their painful memories to themselves for years, decided to face McComish directly. Their decision to confront him was driven by a desire for justice and closure. The meeting, which took place at McComish’s residence, was emotionally charged. During this confrontation, the victims recounted the trauma they endured, and McComish denied any wrongdoing. The situation escalated when McComish, overwhelmed by the confrontation, took an overdose of medication, leading to his hospitalization.

The police were subsequently involved, and an investigation was launched into the allegations. During police questioning, McComish dismissed the accusations, claiming they were “rubbish.” The court heard that he had also engaged in inappropriate behavior with one of the victims, including giving her whisky before assaulting her.

Depute fiscal Michelle Young provided the court with details of the abuse, emphasizing that McComish’s actions had caused significant harm to the victims. She explained that the two women, who had met each other in August 2009, decided to come forward after years of silence to seek justice for what they had endured.

In light of the evidence, Sheriff Derrick McIntyre found McComish guilty of two charges of lewd, libidinous, and indecent acts. As part of his sentence, the sheriff ordered McComish to register as a sex offender, ensuring that he remains under supervision and monitoring to protect the community from any potential risk.

This case highlights the importance of courage and perseverance in seeking justice for past abuses, even decades after the crimes occurred, and serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of such traumatic experiences.