GEORGE THOMSON'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN EDINBURGH AND MUSSELBURGH REVEALED

In September 2023, a disturbing case emerged involving George Thomson, a pensioner with ties to both Edinburgh and Musselburgh, who subjected two young girls to sexual abuse over a period spanning several years. The allegations detail a pattern of predatory behavior that took place while Thomson’s wife was present in the next room, highlighting a disturbing breach of trust and safety.

Thomson, aged 71, began his abusive actions when the victims were only seven years old. The children, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, were manipulated and assaulted by Thomson during visits to his residence in Musselburgh, East Lothian. The abuse involved him luring the girls into his dingy, poorly lit bedroom, where he would isolate them by locking the door behind them. During these encounters, Thomson would engage in inappropriate touching, often on the girls’ breasts and genitals, while they sat on his lap playing computer games.

The victims recounted that Thomson’s bedroom was always kept dark, with blinds drawn and windows closed, creating an environment conducive to secrecy. One girl described how the abuse began when she was just seven, with Thomson touching her over her clothing and fiddling around inappropriately. Over time, the assaults escalated, with Thomson moving the girl onto his bed, where further sexual acts were carried out. These incidents could last up to half an hour, and notably, they occurred while Thomson’s wife was in the next room, unaware of the ongoing abuse.

One of the victims, who chose to remain anonymous, explained that Thomson would invite her into his bedroom, lock the door, and then proceed with the assaults. She described feeling scared and belittled, and recounted how Thomson refused to let her leave the room on several occasions. The girl also revealed that Thomson would often watch Disney and Harry Potter movies on his laptop during these times, further adding to the disturbing nature of the abuse.

In 2020, the victim finally found the courage to confide in her mother about the abuse, which had left her feeling confused and traumatized. The allegations came to light during a three-day trial at Edinburgh’s sheriff court, where Thomson denied any wrongdoing. However, the jury found him guilty of three charges related to sexual assault, after deliberating for two hours. The court convicted Thomson of engaging in lewd, libidinous, and indecent practices towards one child between December 29, 2018, and November 30, 2010, and of sexually assaulting two children between December 1, 2010, and June 3, 2016, all at his Musselburgh residence.

Following the verdict, Sheriff Ian Anderson announced that Thomson’s sentence would be deferred pending a criminal justice social work report. Thomson was placed on the Sex Offenders Register on an interim basis, and he was ordered to return to court later in the month for sentencing. During the proceedings, Thomson was warned to comply with all bail conditions, and his continued release was contingent upon his adherence to these terms. The case has shed light on the grave breach of trust and the lasting impact of Thomson’s actions on his young victims, prompting ongoing concern about safeguarding children from such predatory behavior.