DEL HARRIS FROM EAST KILBRIDE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In December 2016, a heartbreaking case emerged involving a young girl from East Kilbride who was subjected to a traumatic sexual assault by Del Harris, a man now aged 21. The incident, which took place after Harris groomed her through social media, specifically Facebook, has left a lasting scar on the victim and her family.

Harris lured the 12-year-old girl into a false sense of trust, manipulating her through online conversations before arranging to meet at his residence in the Village, East Kilbride. The girl, who was just beginning her second year at school, believed she was meeting a peer, unaware of Harris’s true intentions. Harris, who falsely claimed to be 15 and even pretended to be her father during phone calls, exploited her innocence and vulnerability.

The night of the assault, Harris met the girl at his home, where he committed a terrifying sexual assault, raping her and leaving her emotionally devastated. The following morning, the girl broke down and confided in her mother, revealing what had happened. Her mother recounted that the girl had initially told her she was staying with a friend, but her distress and the details she shared prompted immediate action.

Police were contacted, and Harris was arrested on August 10, 2014, shortly after the girl disclosed the assault. Her mother described the aftermath as a period of intense emotional turmoil, with her daughter suffering from severe depression, social withdrawal, and anxiety. The girl’s once confident and cheerful demeanor was replaced by a shadow of her former self, as she struggled with nightmares, fear of crowded places, and feelings of hopelessness.

Her mother expressed deep concern about her future, fearing that the trauma would have long-lasting effects on her daughter’s mental health and relationships. She emphasized the cruelty of the situation, noting that her daughter was targeted precisely because of her vulnerability. The mother also highlighted the difficulty of witnessing her child’s suffering and the helplessness she felt in trying to support her.

Harris’s sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow resulted in a prison term of four years and four months. While the family was relieved that Harris was incarcerated, they expressed disappointment with the length of the sentence, believing it was insufficient given the severity of his crimes. The mother praised her daughter for her bravery in facing her attacker during the court proceedings, which she felt provided some measure of closure.

Harris’s lack of remorse was evident, with reports indicating he smirked as he was taken into custody, wearing a hoodie emblazoned with the words ‘Smile more’. The mother voiced her concern that Harris, a known sexual predator, might reoffend, asserting that “a leopard doesn’t change its spots.”

Despite the trauma, her daughter has expressed aspirations of pursuing a career in social work, aiming to help others who have suffered similar abuse. Her mother praised her for her courage in speaking out, emphasizing that her decision to come forward has helped protect other potential victims. She also highlighted the importance of breaking the silence surrounding such crimes, encouraging victims to seek help and support.

In conclusion, the family remains committed to rebuilding their lives, with the mother affirming that her daughter will be supported to recover and thrive. She reiterated that although Harris stole her daughter’s innocence, they are determined to ensure she has a positive future, and that justice has been served, even if the scars remain.