FOSTER CARETTER DAVID LEGGATT FROM COMRIE, FIFE, SENTENCED FOR ABUSING CHILDREN IN GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Comrie and Fife, David Leggatt, a foster carer, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young children and possession of a vast collection of indecent images. The incidents span several years and involve multiple victims, with Leggatt’s actions coming to light through police investigations that uncovered disturbing evidence of his misconduct.

Leggatt, aged 59, was sentenced in the High Court in Glasgow after admitting to a series of serious charges. The court heard that he had raped an 11-year-old girl on multiple occasions during 2011 and 2012, when she was between the ages of 11 and 12. Additionally, he was found to have sexually assaulted a three-year-old girl, attempting to rape her between May 2006 and November 2007. These acts of abuse were committed in various locations, with the court emphasizing the prolonged nature of his offending.

Furthermore, Leggatt’s criminal record includes the possession of nearly 120,000 indecent photographs and videos depicting young girls. The police investigation revealed that he had been in possession of approximately 115,700 indecent images and 921 videos of children, with the material being created and stored between August 2010 and August of this year. His computer and hard drives, which contained these illicit images, were located in the loft of his residence in Fife. The police also discovered folders labeled with girls’ names, containing indecent images taken by Leggatt himself.

On August 3, this year, Fife Constabulary received intelligence indicating that someone using the internet connection at Leggatt’s address was heavily involved in downloading child pornography. Armed officers executed a search warrant and gained entry into his home, where his wife Heather was present. She called Leggatt to join the officers, and both were cautioned during the process. When a detective began reading the warrant, Leggatt admitted, “It’s me, it’s nothing to do with her. I’m sorry,” indicating his awareness of the investigation.

During the search, Leggatt explained that his computer and hard drive, containing the images, were stored in the loft. He also confessed to having “interfered” with girls, revealing a disturbing pattern of behavior. Police interviews with victims uncovered further evidence of his abuse. One child victim described how Leggatt would take naked photographs of her and perform sexual acts, rewarding her with sweets for her cooperation. The victim’s family expressed their devastation, with her mother describing the moment they learned of the abuse as “devastating” and “numb,” emphasizing the betrayal of trust they felt towards someone they once looked up to.

Leggatt’s own account during police interviews revealed that he had looked at adult pornography online and had accidentally clicked on images of children. He admitted to having a particular interest in prepubescent girls. His solicitor, Gordon Martin, stated that Leggatt deeply regrets his conduct, acknowledging the harm caused to his victims and expressing remorse for his actions. The court was also informed that Leggatt had attempted to take his own life while in prison but was saved by his cellmate.

In a separate but related case in Edinburgh in November 2012, Leggatt pleaded guilty to similar charges, admitting to raping an 11-year-old girl and attempting to assault a three-year-old girl. He claimed that he was “corrupted by the internet,” which contributed to his criminal behavior. The court heard that he had also been involved in photographing and filming some of the abuse, with the same staggering number of indecent images found on his devices.

The family of one of the victims, who had known Leggatt for years, shared their emotional response to the case. The victim’s mother described the moment police informed her of her daughter’s abuse as “devastating,” revealing her feelings of shock and betrayal. She expressed how she had trusted Leggatt, even providing a reference for him when he and his partner applied to become foster carers. Her words haunted her, as she now realizes her trust was misplaced.

Despite the pain and betrayal, the family has vowed to stay united and not let the abuse destroy their bond. The father stated, “He will not destroy our family, we have worked 18 years to build our family — this will not break us, if anything this will bring us closer together.”

Judge Lord Bracadale is scheduled to sentence David Leggatt at the High Court in Glasgow on December 19. Leggatt has been placed on the sex offenders register, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.