DAVID GILLAN FROM KILSYTH SENTENCED FOR ABUSE IN EDINBURGH AND STIRLINGSHIRE

In a case that has sparked widespread outrage, David Gillan, a resident of Kilsyth in Stirlingshire, was sentenced to six years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. The court proceedings took place at the High Court in Edinburgh, where Gillan faced the grim reality of his actions.

Over a span of approximately ten years, Gillan preyed on a total of eleven young girls, whose ages ranged from just four to twelve years old. The disturbing nature of his offenses included attempts to rape three of these children, alongside multiple counts of indecency involving the remaining victims. The severity and duration of his abuse have left a lasting scar on the community and the victims' families.

The initial revelation of Gillan’s misconduct emerged in November of the previous year. The mother of a five-year-old girl became concerned after her daughter made unsettling remarks about Gillan. Trusting her instincts, she questioned her child further, which led to the child confiding that Gillan had been involved in inappropriate behavior. This disclosure prompted the mother to report her concerns to the police. During police interviews, Gillan made certain admissions that confirmed suspicions of his misconduct.

Following his arrest, Gillan was released on bail, but the investigation did not end there. Five months later, another young girl came forward with allegations against him. This new complaint prompted authorities to launch a more extensive investigation, which eventually uncovered additional victims and evidence of Gillan’s ongoing abuse. Police traced the extent of his misconduct, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Ruth Anderson highlighted the manipulative tactics Gillan employed, noting that he had reportedly told some of the girls details about the abuse he inflicted on other children, possibly to intimidate or control them. The court heard that Gillan, who is married and has two children, had pleaded guilty to the charges, expressing remorse for his actions. His defense attorney, Jamie Gilchrist, emphasized that Gillan was genuinely remorseful and had accepted responsibility for his crimes.

Judge Lord Coulsfield ordered that Gillan’s name be entered onto the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The sentencing has been met with anger from the victims’ families. One grandmother, whose granddaughter was among the victims, voiced her outrage, stating, “Six years isn’t long enough. He should have got double. He stole my granddaughter’s innocence and has made her and the others grow up too quickly.” She also revealed that Gillan had, at times, called her to falsely reassure her that her granddaughter was safe at his house, all the while continuing to commit terrible acts against her.

The case has left a deep scar on the community of Kilsyth and beyond, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need for justice in protecting vulnerable children from predators like David Gillan.