BRIAN SOUTAR FROM ANSTRUTHER AND KENNOWAY SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN PERTH

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Anstruther and Kennoway, Brian Soutar, a 55-year-old farm worker, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting to a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than 16 years. The crimes involved the abuse of young girls, some as young as 11 years old, and took place across different locations, including a farm cottage in Anstruther and Soutar’s own residence in Kennoway.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Perth last Wednesday, Soutar pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to his abuse of two young girls. The court heard that his criminal activities began in 1983 and continued until 1999, marking a prolonged period of predatory behavior. One of the victims, a girl under the age of 12, was raped by Soutar at a farm cottage in Anstruther before her 12th birthday. The offender also admitted to raping her again at his home in Kennoway when she was 15 years old.

In addition to these acts, Soutar confessed to engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with the same girl on numerous occasions between December 1984 and December 1987. His crimes extended further when he was found to have used lewd and indecent practices towards a second girl, who was only 12 years old at the time, between April and September 1999. These acts of abuse and indecency highlight the severity and repeated nature of his offenses.

The presiding judge, Lord Osborne, sentenced Soutar to a total of 31 years in prison for the five charges he faced. However, he ordered that all sentences be served concurrently, meaning Soutar will serve the full term for all offenses simultaneously. Addressing Soutar directly, Lord Osborne emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, “The fact is you have pled guilty to charges which are very serious indeed, including the rape of an 11-year-old girl. You are a first offender but I consider you constitute a risk to young people and a substantial prison sentence is necessary.”

This case underscores the ongoing concerns about child abuse and the importance of justice for victims. The communities of Anstruther and Kennoway, where these crimes took place, are now left to grapple with the aftermath of this disturbing series of events, while the legal system has taken decisive action to ensure that Brian Soutar faces the consequences of his actions.