Midlothian foster carer Gillian Murray sentenced for child abuse

MIDLOTHIAN FOSTER CARER GILLIAN MURRAY SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE

Gillian Murray, a former foster carer, was convicted of abusing at least four children in her care over a span of 16 years in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian.

The court heard evidence of her cruelty, including forcing a young boy to eat food alone on the floor and withholding food on other occasions, denying him access to certain rooms and the bathroom, and preventing him from playing outside.

She also subjected another boy, aged between six months and five years, to a similar pattern of abuse, shouting at him and dressing him in ill-fitting clothing, causing injury.

Additionally, Murray failed to comfort children when they cried, did not wash them, and prevented them from re-entering the house when dressed inappropriately for the weather.

Evidence from a former neighbour indicated that Murray also abused other children whose identities remain unknown, by forcing them outside and refusing them entry.

On August 7, 2025, she was sentenced to 300 hours Community Payback Order.

Neil Almond, Procurator Fiscal for Lothian and Borders, stated that Murray was responsible for the care of vulnerable children but instead caused trauma through her cruelty.

He urged others to report similar offences regardless of time elapsed, emphasizing support for victims and the effort to establish a record of these abuses.