GARY WARD'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN FIFE AND DUNFERMLINE
In September 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving a young girl from Fife who was subjected to sexual misconduct by a man after she visited his home to offer assistance.The girl, aged just 15 at the time, was described as shy and somewhat immature, which may have contributed to her vulnerability in this distressing incident.
Gary Ward, now residing in Dunfermline but at the time living in Cardenden, was the individual responsible for the abuse.
Ward, aged 40 and living on Allan Crescent, appeared before Dunfermline Sheriff Court to face serious allegations.
The court heard that between March 1 and April 6, 2006, Ward engaged in lewd and inappropriate behavior towards the young girl at an address in Cardenden.
According to court reports, Ward initially claimed he needed help with financial calculations, specifically with his dyslexia and difficulty with numbers, which prompted the girl to visit his home.
However, upon her arrival, Ward's demeanor quickly shifted as he began making sexual comments.
He asked her what she would do if she found him naked, a remark that caused her embarrassment but she chose to ignore.
The depute fiscal, Dev Kapadia, explained that Ward then made another inappropriate comment about pubic hair, further crossing boundaries.
He proceeded to place her on his knee, kiss her repeatedly, and touch her over her clothing.
The girl, described as vulnerable and very immature by her mother, was visibly uncomfortable and froze during the assault.
Ward's behavior escalated as he lifted her onto his thigh, kissed her neck and lips, and even put his tongue in her mouth.
During this distressing encounter, he told her, “As soon as you’re 16, I’m going to take you up the stairs,” indicating his intentions to pursue her sexually once she reached the age of consent.
His wife unexpectedly entered the room at this moment, hearing the inappropriate remarks and shouting at Ward.
She was extremely angry, and the girl quickly jumped off his knee.
When questioned by his wife about what was happening, Ward dismissed the incident as “nothing” and claimed he was just tickling her.
Initially, the victim did not disclose the incident to her family.
It was only in 2016 that she confided in a friend, and a year later, in March 2017, she formally reported the matter to the police.
The case was subsequently brought before the court, and Ward admitted to engaging in lewd practices and behavior towards the girl, who was then 15 years old.
Following the court proceedings, Sheriff Alison McKay ordered Ward to be placed on the sex offenders’ register.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25, and the court will determine the appropriate punishment based on the gravity of his actions and the impact on the victim.
