CLIFFORD WILSON FROM ARMADALE SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN WEST LOTHIAN
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Armadale Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has spanned over four decades, Clifford Wilson, a man from Armadale, has been formally convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of two young children in the town during the 1970s and 1980s. The disturbing revelations emerged during a court hearing held at Livingston Sheriff Court, where Wilson, now 61 years old, faced justice for his heinous crimes.
Wilson admitted to the sexual exploitation of a young girl and a boy at various locations within Armadale. The abuse of the girl began when she was just five years old and persisted until she reached the age of eleven. The court heard that Wilson took her to a secluded area known locally as “The Glen,” situated near Drive Road in Armadale, where the abuse was initiated in 1975. Beyond this woodland setting, Wilson also assaulted her at three other addresses scattered across the town, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior over several years.
Regarding the boy, the court established that his abuse was confined to a single residence in Armadale. This abuse commenced in 1980 when he was eleven years old and continued for more than two years, ending when he was thirteen. The repeated nature of these assaults highlighted the calculated and deliberate manner in which Wilson carried out his crimes.
During sentencing, Sheriff Susan Craig emphasized the severity of Wilson’s actions. She stated, “It’s difficult to see this as other than serious and planned abuse. You engineered circumstances when you were alone with the complainants, and you carried on repeatedly abusing the first complainant so it happened on every occasion she visited your home.” The sheriff further underscored the gravity of the offenses, noting that such conduct could not be dismissed as isolated or accidental.
Wilson was sentenced to two years in prison, a custodial sentence deemed appropriate given the nature of his crimes. Additionally, his name has been added to the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public awareness of his status.
Outside the courtroom, the victims—who had attended the hearing to witness Wilson’s sentencing—were visibly emotional, both bursting into tears. A relative of the victims expressed relief and a sense of justice being served, stating, “They are just overwhelmed that he got what he deserved.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Armadale, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from abuse.
Wilson admitted to the sexual exploitation of a young girl and a boy at various locations within Armadale. The abuse of the girl began when she was just five years old and persisted until she reached the age of eleven. The court heard that Wilson took her to a secluded area known locally as “The Glen,” situated near Drive Road in Armadale, where the abuse was initiated in 1975. Beyond this woodland setting, Wilson also assaulted her at three other addresses scattered across the town, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior over several years.
Regarding the boy, the court established that his abuse was confined to a single residence in Armadale. This abuse commenced in 1980 when he was eleven years old and continued for more than two years, ending when he was thirteen. The repeated nature of these assaults highlighted the calculated and deliberate manner in which Wilson carried out his crimes.
During sentencing, Sheriff Susan Craig emphasized the severity of Wilson’s actions. She stated, “It’s difficult to see this as other than serious and planned abuse. You engineered circumstances when you were alone with the complainants, and you carried on repeatedly abusing the first complainant so it happened on every occasion she visited your home.” The sheriff further underscored the gravity of the offenses, noting that such conduct could not be dismissed as isolated or accidental.
Wilson was sentenced to two years in prison, a custodial sentence deemed appropriate given the nature of his crimes. Additionally, his name has been added to the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public awareness of his status.
Outside the courtroom, the victims—who had attended the hearing to witness Wilson’s sentencing—were visibly emotional, both bursting into tears. A relative of the victims expressed relief and a sense of justice being served, stating, “They are just overwhelmed that he got what he deserved.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Armadale, highlighting the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from abuse.