ARTHUR FULTON SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO GIRLS
In September 2010, Arthur Fulton, aged 63, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh for sexually abusing two young girls.The judge, Lord Kinclaven, stated, "I am satisfied that there is no alternative to a custodial sentence." He also indicated that Fulton would be referred for inclusion on a list of individuals disqualified from working with children.
Fulton committed a sexual act on one girl after she was playing with a doll's house in a garage.
He continued to molest her, and on one occasion, caused her pain and bleeding.
He also abused another girl in the past, sometimes exposing himself when alone with her.
The victims later confided in their mother about the abuse.
Initially, Fulton denied the allegations when questioned by police in Aberdeen in March earlier that year and was released.
Advocate depute Morag Jack told the court, "Two days later the accused made an attempt to take his own life by cutting his wrists." Soon afterward, he was re-interviewed and admitted to abusing the children, though he did not accept all the allegations.
When detained, Fulton simply stated, "Guilty." Fulton pleaded guilty to two charges of indecency against the victims.
His first offense involved abusing a girl between January 1997 and January 2000, starting when she was six, at an address in Aberdeen.
His second offense involved abusing another girl between October 2004 and March 2010, also beginning when she was six, at various houses around the city.
Ms.
Jack noted that the first victim eventually grew to hate Fulton and became aware that his actions were wrong.
Defense lawyer Shahid Latif told the court that Fulton had shown remorse and regret and that his guilty plea was made to prevent additional trauma for the victims.
Following his prison term, Fulton was ordered to be supervised for an additional three years.
The judge explained, "This is due to the seriousness of the offenses and to provide a measure of protection for the public." Fulton was also placed on the sex offenders' register.
