DUNBLANE PAEDOPHILE DAVID WATSON SENTENCED FOR 1970S CRIME

In March 2014, David Watson, a 79-year-old man from Dunblane, was convicted and sentenced for a sexual offense that took place over four decades earlier. The incident involved Watson molesting a young boy during a sleepover at his residence in Dunblane, a town in central Scotland.

According to court proceedings, Watson engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with the boy while he was supposed to be reading him a bedtime story. The victim, now an adult, recalled that during the incident, he tried to pull away from Watson. Watson reportedly responded with a disturbing comment, asking, “Sorry, did I catch your skin?” before continuing his assault.

The court, held at Stirling Sheriff Court, heard that the abuse occurred at Watson’s home in Dunblane sometime between April 1974 and April 1976. This means the offense was committed over 38 years prior to the sentencing, highlighting the long gap between the incident and its eventual discovery.

It was only in January 2012 that the victim confided in an aunt about what had happened, which led to the case coming to light. Following this revelation, Watson’s family confronted him in May 2012. During this confrontation, Watson did not deny the allegations; instead, he admitted to the abuse, expressing a hope that the matter would end there.

Despite his admission, police were called, and Watson was detained in June 2012. He was subsequently taken to Stirling police station, where he confessed to the authorities about his actions. Watson, residing at Murdoch Terrace in Dunblane, pleaded guilty to charges of lewd and libidinous practices involving the young boy.

His defense lawyer, Frazer McCready, emphasized Watson’s age and the historical nature of the offense. McCready stated, “We have to remember that the accused is now 79 years of age and this incident happened about 40 years ago. When challenged by a family member, he accepted that something had gone on. We are dealing with a one-off incident, not a continued course of conduct. I’m not trying to minimize it, but it was a one off. He has no previous convictions and no ongoing cases. His wife is divorcing him and it looks like his family have disowned him — he’s going to be a lonely old man. So to some extent he is already being punished.”

However, Sheriff William Gilchrist described the offense as extremely serious. He noted that the victim was only eight or nine years old at the time and acknowledged the gravity of the crime. While considering Watson’s advanced age and the fact that the offense occurred over 40 years ago, the sheriff decided to impose a custodial sentence.

Watson was sentenced to six months in prison, a reduction from an initial nine months, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years. The court’s decision underscores the enduring impact of such crimes, regardless of the passage of time, and highlights the importance of justice for victims of historical abuse.