ANDREW MCMAHON SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL
A man named Andrew McMahon, aged 69, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Edinburgh.The heinous crimes took place during the summer months of 2023 and involved two separate incidents that left a young girl traumatized and fearful for her safety.
McMahon, who is currently in custody, faced a series of charges at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Despite his denial of the allegations, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape against the young girl.
The first assault occurred at a residence in the Granton area of Edinburgh, where McMahon attacked the girl sometime between March 28 and August 17, 2023.
The second incident took place on August 18, 2023, in a wooded area, where McMahon grabbed the girl, pushed her to the ground, and subjected her to sexual assault.
Following the second attack, McMahon instructed the girl not to tell anyone about what had happened and threatened her to ensure her silence.
These threats and the assault itself compounded the trauma experienced by the young victim.
The jury's guilty verdict was announced last month, and Judge Alison Stirling deferred sentencing to allow for the preparation of reports regarding McMahon’s background and potential risk.
During the court proceedings, Judge Stirling made it clear that McMahon would face imprisonment for his crimes.
She stated, “Inevitably, what is going to happen is there will be a custodial sentence.” The case was brought back to court on the following Friday for sentencing.
McMahon, who was watching proceedings via a video link from remand, listened as the judge delivered her decision.
Defense lawyer Kenneth Cloggie maintained that his client still believed he had done nothing wrong.
He expressed hope that McMahon would engage with the specialist intervention programs that would be offered to him during his time in custody, suggesting that rehabilitation might be possible.
Judge Stirling sentenced McMahon to five years in prison and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
She also informed him that he would be subject to two years of supervised release following his release from prison.
The judge emphasized that her decision took into account all the arguments presented on behalf of the defendant, but ultimately, the severity of the crimes warranted a custodial sentence to protect the community and ensure justice for the young victim.
