ANDREW COWAN FROM BATHGATE AND WHITBURN SENTENCED FOR ABUSE OF 5-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bathgate and Whitburn, a man named Andrew Cowan has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl aged just five years old. The incident, which took place in Bathgate on July 29, 2013, has brought to light the grave dangers posed by predators within local neighborhoods.

Andrew Cowan, a resident of Whitburn, was sentenced to a mere one year in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges related to the sexual abuse of the young girl. The court heard that Cowan had coerced the child into performing sexual acts on him, a crime that has left the community appalled and seeking justice. Despite the severity of his actions, Cowan's sentence was notably short, especially considering the nature of the crimes committed.

Under current legislation governing early releases, Cowan is expected to be released on licence in January of the following year, just six months after beginning his sentence. This decision has sparked criticism from victims' advocates and members of the public, who argue that the punishment does not adequately reflect the gravity of the offense. The sentence was described by critics as a “woeful” example of Scotland’s so-called “soft-touch justice system,” highlighting concerns over leniency in sentencing for sex offenders.

In comparison, the punishment handed down to Neil Trotter, a former Scottish Government aide, was significantly harsher. Trotter received an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted of taking inappropriate photographs up women’s skirts at Waverley station, illustrating the disparity in sentencing for different types of offenses.

During the court proceedings, Cowan’s defense solicitor, Stuart Peebles, attempted to persuade the sheriff to consider alternative sentencing options, such as community service, rather than incarceration. However, the court ultimately decided on a custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the crime.

The court also heard that Cowan had initially denied the allegations of sexual abuse. It was only after the young girl confided in her mother about a “secret” that the full extent of Cowan’s misconduct was revealed. The girl’s mother was left horrified as she learned of the details of what Cowan had made her daughter do. The family reported Cowan to the police, leading to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea.

For legal reasons, the young victim cannot be named publicly. Cowan admitted to the sexual assault at an address in Bathgate, but he denied attempting to induce the girl to perform oral sex on him, a charge that the Crown accepted as not proven. Throughout the sentencing, Cowan showed no visible emotion as he was handed his sentence and was informed that his name would remain on the sex offenders register for ten years.

It is also important to note that prisoners serving sentences of less than four years are eligible for automatic release at the halfway point. However, sex offenders in this category are released on licence, with specific conditions set by the Scottish Government’s justice directorate, rather than through the usual parole process. This case has reignited debates over the adequacy of current sentencing and release policies for sex offenders in Scotland.