ANDREW WATT FROM BONNYRIGG SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGE GIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Andrew Watt, a 43-year-old man residing in Bonnyrigg, was sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison after being found guilty of serious sexual offences involving a teenage girl. The offences came to light after a police search of Watt's residence on Gibralter Road in Dalkeith, where authorities uncovered a digital camera and numerous floppy disks containing explicit images.

According to the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Watt had engaged in a disturbing pattern of abuse over a period of several months. The court heard that Watt, who had been living alone at the time, persuaded the young girl—who was between 13 and 14 years old—to pose for photographs in various states of undress, including nude and partially clothed. These images captured her in sexual positions, with Watt taking the photographs using his digital camera.

Further evidence revealed that Watt also took explicit photographs of the girl performing sexual acts on him, as well as images of him engaging in similar acts with her. The court was shown that a total of 110 indecent images of the girl were discovered on Watt’s camera, highlighting the extent of his misconduct.

Lord Mackay, presiding over the case, addressed Watt directly, stating, “You have pled guilty to charges of serious abuse involving a girl while she was 13 and 14 years of age.” The judge emphasized that Watt had committed these acts on at least eight separate occasions within his home, which added to the gravity of the offences.

In addition to the prison sentence, Lord Mackay ordered Watt to serve an extended period of supervision for an additional year, aiming to provide further protection to the victim and the community. The judge expressed concern over Watt’s attitude, noting that a background report indicated he was unwilling to acknowledge the severity of his actions or cooperate with those offering him help. This lack of insight was seen as a potential risk factor for future offending.

Watt, who was residing on Polton Street at the time of sentencing, admitted to four charges of indecent practices and behaviour committed between September 7, 2003, and March 30 of this year. The offences came to light after the victim confided in a school teacher in April, revealing that Watt had performed sex acts on her and coerced her into oral sex.

During the court proceedings, advocate depute Alan Mackay explained that the girl was initially persuaded to participate in the photographs but the contact escalated to sexual acts. Watt’s defence solicitor, Simon Collins, acknowledged his client’s remorse, stating, “It has been very clear he accepted his behaviour was entirely wrong.” However, Collins also noted that Watt had not extensively discussed his attitude towards the offences with those preparing the background reports, suggesting that his remorse may be driven by shame rather than understanding.

Following the sentencing, Lord Mackay ordered Watt to register as a sex offender. The judge remarked that if Watt had been convicted after a trial, he could have faced a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The case underscores the serious nature of Watt’s crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable minors from sexual exploitation and abuse.