COLIN RITCHIE SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN PRISON IN ELGIN AFTER ABUSE OF FOUR CHILDREN
A sex offender who attempted to avoid justice has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.Colin Ritchie, 56, sexually abused four children over an 18-year period, with most offences occurring in Elgin and Fochabers, Moray.
Ritchie was scheduled to face charges at Glasgow High Court in March 2020 but failed to appear; he was eventually detained and brought before the court.
He was convicted at a trial in Aberdeen of 11 counts, including lewd and libidinous behaviour, indecent assault, breaching bail, and failing to attend court.
Ritchie appeared via video link from prison and repeatedly shook his head as the sentence was handed down.
The sentencing judge, Graham Buchanan, remarked, "You were convicted of serious sexual offences against children.
In the course of the crimes against one boy, it is apparent that you groomed and corrupted him over a substantial period.
This was to the point that he believed the depraved conduct was perfectly normal.
It is inevitable that what you did to him and the other victims resulted in long-lasting consequences and psychological harm for them." The abuse took place between 1988 and 2006, during which Ritchie targeted two boys and two girls, one of whom was just seven years old.
The defence, represented by Bill Adam, stated that Ritchie continues to maintain his innocence.
Judge Buchanan also ordered Ritchie to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
