DAVID GRAVES FROM FORFAR AND KIRRIEMUIR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON UNDERAGE GIRLS IN ANGUS AND EDINBURGH

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Forfar and Kirriemuir, a 20-year-old man named David Graves has been found guilty of engaging in heinous sexual offenses involving underage girls. The case was heard at the High Court in Edinburgh, where details emerged of Graves' predatory behavior and the extent of his criminal activities.

It was revealed that Graves had used social media platforms to initiate contact with vulnerable young girls, exploiting their innocence for his own depraved purposes. The investigation was triggered when a mother in Forfar discovered topless images of her 12-year-old daughter on her phone. Upon examining the device, she found messages from Graves directed at her daughter, along with semi-naked photographs of the young girl. This discovery prompted immediate action from the mother, who confronted her daughter, leading to the girl admitting that she had been in sexual contact with Graves.

The mother then contacted the police, who launched an investigation into Graves' activities. During the inquiry, authorities uncovered more than 100 indecent images stored on Graves' laptop, including 22 videos, some of which were classified at the most extreme level of indecency. The police also found that Graves had been in contact with other underage girls, including a 13-year-old girl whose mother had previously warned Graves to cease contact after discovering a photo of her daughter in her underwear on his laptop.

In court, the prosecution detailed how Graves had already been warned by the mother of the 13-year-old girl, who had told him that if he contacted her daughter again, she would alert the authorities. Despite these warnings, Graves continued his inappropriate communications and actions. He admitted to sexually assaulting three girls, including the 12-year-old and a 14-year-old girl he met at a fast-food restaurant in Forfar, where he was employed. The 14-year-old had added Graves on Facebook, leading to a series of sexually explicit exchanges. Graves later met her in person on several occasions, sometimes with the 12-year-old present.

During these meetings, Graves repeatedly attempted to kiss and hug the girls, and he engaged in sexual assaults, including molestation, exposing himself, and pulling down their trousers. His disturbing behavior also involved asking police whether his actions would impact his chances of joining the Army or traveling to America. Graves even expressed remorse, claiming he was considering turning himself in because he knew what he had done was wrong.

Defense lawyer Ronnie Renucci acknowledged the seriousness of Graves' offenses, stating that a custodial sentence was inevitable given the gravity of his crimes. The judge, Lord Boyd of Duncansby, agreed and deferred sentencing to allow for a background report to be prepared. Graves was remanded in custody and placed on the sex offenders' register pending sentencing scheduled for next month, marking a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims and the community at large.