DARREN PATON, FORMER FOSTER PARENT, SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN EDINBURGH FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

A former foster parent has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of serious child sexual abuse, exhibiting no remorse or empathy for his victims. Darren Paton, aged 44 and formerly of Kirkcaldy in Fife, was convicted of ongoing abuse spanning over a decade.

During his trial, the court heard that Paton repeatedly molested and raped one girl and engaged in unwanted sexual acts with a second girl. The judge noted that Paton was convicted of ‘a significant course of serious child sexual abuse’ against his first victim, with the abuse beginning when she was only seven years old in 2013. Despite denying the sex crimes, Paton was convicted of two counts of rape involving her. He also admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the second girl in 2023. His offenses took place at locations within Fife.

Lord Scott emphasized that Paton’s offending was deeply ingrained and long-standing. He stated, ‘Paton’s serious sexual offending was long-standing and deeply ingrained, and he has shown no remorse or victim empathy. Only a custodial sentence is appropriate.’

During an interview with a social worker, Paton maintained his innocence, but the judge reminded him: ‘You are responsible for the impact on your victims.’ The first girl described ongoing effects such as trust issues and flashbacks. As part of the sentence, Paton was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and issued non-harassment orders to prevent contact with his victims.

In sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Scott highlighted the severity of the crimes. He detailed that Paton was responsible for two charges involving sexual abuse over several years, including digital penetration of a 14-year-old girl at age 42, and the rape and abuse of another girl aged between 7 and 13, when Paton was between 32 and 39. The judge acknowledged the victim’s testimony, which revealed the lasting psychological harm caused, including feelings of disgust, trust issues, and flashbacks.

The court noted that Paton’s behavior reflected a pattern of grooming and manipulation, and he had used his position of trust to exploit vulnerable children. The victim's statement underscored the ongoing mental health struggles she faces.

Despite having no previous convictions, Paton’s history of offending was deemed serious and entrenched. The court’s social work report described his offenses as a substantial breach of trust, involving planned abuse to avoid detection. It noted that Paton had suffered from acute stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, and was prescribed antidepressants.

The risk assessment concluded that Paton’s conduct posed significant potential for continued harm, and recommended he participate in the Moving Forward 2 Change Programme to address re-offending risks. However, Paton showed no genuine remorse or insight into his behavior, blaming substances like alcohol and cocaine on his actions—an excuse rejected by the court.

Considering all factors, including the seriousness of the offenses, the court determined that only a custodial sentence would suffice. It imposed a combined 10-year sentence for the two main charges of abuse, to be served consecutively with a 2-year sentence for the third, making a total of 12 years’ imprisonment starting from 11 April 2025.

Furthermore, the court ordered Paton to be on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and made non-harassment orders regarding the victims, effective immediately to protect them.