ALEXANDER THOMSON AND HIS BRUTAL CRIMES IN WEST LOTHIAN
Alexander Thomson, a 42-year-old man, carried out a series of horrific and violent offenses over a period of nearly seven years within the West Lothian region.His crimes, which spanned from 2012 to 2019, included a range of severe sexual and physical abuses inflicted upon four women who once trusted him.
The extent of his brutality was shocking, with allegations that he raped multiple victims, inflicted physical injuries such as knocking out the teeth of one woman, and even used cigarettes to burn her body.
One of Thomson’s victims, in a harrowing ordeal, woke up to find that he had placed a plastic bag over her head in an attempt to suffocate her by restricting her breathing.
Such acts of violence reveal the extent of Thomson’s malicious intent and the danger he posed to those around him.
His crimes were thoroughly examined in court, culminating in a conviction on numerous charges.
Today, Thomson appeared before the High Court in Glasgow, where he was convicted of a total of 17 criminal counts related to the abuse of four former romantic partners.
His charges ranged from assault and abduction to ten counts of rape.
Tragically, two women who had been victims of Thomson's violence and abuse passed away before the trial commenced, making their testimonies unavailable but still a vital part of the case.
Their statements and evidence, read out by an investigating officer, played a significant role in securing Thomson’s conviction.
Following his conviction, Thomson was handed an Order of Lifelong Restriction, a judicial decree that effectively ensures he will remain in prison for the rest of his life, with a minimum term of four years before he becomes eligible for parole.
Additionally, he received a lifetime Non-Harassment Order—an official directive that prohibits him from approaching or contacting any of his victims, thereby providing some measure of protection and peace for them.
Fraser Gibson, the head Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences in Scotland, issued a strong statement condemning Thomson’s actions.
He emphasized that Thomson’s acts of violence brutalized and intimidated women who had once trusted him, betraying that trust in the most heinous manner possible.
Gibson expressed regret that two victims had died before seeing justice served, remarking that their courage in speaking out was crucial in holding Thomson accountable.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have reaffirmed their commitment to relentless pursuit of justice, utilizing every piece of available evidence and testimony.
The case also highlighted the heroic efforts of law enforcement.
Detective Sergeant Aisling Corduff was responsible for reading the heartfelt statements of the two victims who had died before the trial, Bernadette Laing and another unidentified woman.
Sergeant Corduff explained that such instances are rare but significantly impactful in criminal proceedings.
She described how she built a relationship with the victims through hours of conversations, which made her feel connected and responsible for ensuring their voices were heard.
Bernadette Laing, 30, died in July 2020—more than a year before Thomson’s trial commenced—and her mother, Margaret Laing, attributes her death directly or indirectly to Thomson’s abuses.
Sergeant Corduff expressed her pride in reading the victims’ words aloud, emphasizing how meaningful it was for them to have their voices acknowledged, even posthumously.
She highlighted the importance of giving these women a platform to be heard, regardless of their inability to speak for themselves.
Alexander Thomson was officially arrested for his reprehensible crimes on December 12, 2019.
His arrest marked a crucial step toward justice after years of suffering inflicted upon his victims within West Lothian.
The legal process has now concluded with his conviction and sentencing, ensuring that he faces the consequences of his actions for the foreseeable future.
