ANDREW FAIRLEY'S SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN EDINBURGH, HADDINGTON, AND LARKHALL REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through multiple communities, Andrew Fairley, aged 58, of Millhill, Musselburgh, East Lothian, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous child sex offences. The crimes span several years and locations, including Edinburgh, Haddington, and Larkhall, highlighting a troubling pattern of abuse that persisted despite prior convictions.

Fairley's criminal activities came to light during a court hearing at Carlisle Crown Court on July 1, 2022, where he was handed an eight-year prison sentence. The court heard that he was responsible for multiple offences involving two young boys, with incidents dating back to between January 2006 and July 2011 in the area of Rowrah. The offences included causing a child under 13 to view explicit images, engaging in sexual communications with a minor, inciting a boy under 13 to partake in sexual acts, and engaging in sexual activity with children. Additionally, Fairley was convicted of sexual assault on a male and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

These revelations are particularly disturbing given Fairley's history. In 1996, he was previously convicted of indecent assault on a boy aged between 10 and 14 in Edinburgh. Despite this earlier conviction, he continued to oversee children’s karting activities at various racing venues across the UK, including trips to Rowrah, a well-known karting track in west Cumbria. His role involved supervising young participants, which he exploited to commit further abuse.

During the recent court proceedings, Fairley admitted to a total of seven offences, including causing a child to view sexual images, engaging in sexual communication for his own gratification, and touching children sexually on multiple occasions. He also pleaded guilty to causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and a serious sexual assault, with some of these offences dating back as far as 2006. The court heard that despite his prior conviction, Fairley continued to organize and participate in children’s karting trips, raising serious concerns about the safeguarding measures in place at such events.

Following the guilty pleas, Judge Nicholas Barker remanded Fairley into custody and scheduled his sentencing for July 1. The case has deeply affected the victims’ families. One sister of a child victim expressed her anguish, stating, “This has been devastating for our family. We reported these crimes more than four years ago, and the legal process has been incredibly difficult and traumatic. We’re relieved that Fairley is now behind bars.” She also expressed hope that her brother, who was victimized, might begin to recover from the profound trauma inflicted upon him and that justice might help in the healing process.

Furthermore, the case has raised serious questions about the safety protocols in place for children participating in sports like karting. Concerns about the protection of minors in such activities have been voiced, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight and safeguarding measures.

It was also revealed that Fairley’s name has been added to the Sex Offender Register. His 1996 conviction for indecent assault was uncovered when the sister of the West Cumbria abuse victim discovered court documents related to a compensation claim filed by the boy Fairley assaulted in Edinburgh. Despite this history, Fairley continued to live and work in various locations, including Haddington, East Lothian, where he resided recently. He managed the Clan Racing club in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, for over twenty years until the police investigation commenced in December 2017. Following the investigation, Fairley separated from his wife and moved to East Lothian, where he was eventually apprehended and charged.

As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains shaken by the extent of Fairley's misconduct, and authorities are calling for increased vigilance to protect children from similar predators in the future.