HARRY RENTON'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN COLDSTREAM AND EAST LOTHIAN REVEALED

A man named Harry Renton, aged 81 and formerly residing in Coldstream, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses. The severity of his crimes and the depraved nature of his actions were underscored during the sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Judge Lord Lake did not hold back in condemning Renton’s conduct, describing his behavior as both "depraved" and "disgusting." The court heard that Renton had inflicted unimaginable suffering on at least one young girl, with his abuse spanning over a period of several years. Specifically, he assaulted one of his victims repeatedly between the ages of 11 and 16, a period during which the girl’s innocence was shattered by his predatory actions.

Renton’s criminal activities extended across different locations, including Prestonpans in East Lothian and Duns in the Scottish Borders. The court revealed that he had engaged in sexual abuse involving two girls over an extended timeframe, with the abuse occurring in multiple settings. Despite denying the charges during an earlier trial, Renton was ultimately found guilty of six separate sex crimes committed between 2000 and 2007.

It was also disclosed that Renton had a prior conviction related to similar sex offenses involving other children, indicating a troubling pattern of predatory behavior. A background report prepared ahead of his sentencing highlighted these issues, providing the court with a comprehensive view of his criminal history.

During the proceedings, Lord Lake criticized Renton for engaging in "victim blaming" and noted that he appeared to dismiss his previous convictions as mere "bad luck." The judge emphasized that Renton’s actions caused both physical and psychological harm to his victims, and he made it clear that the victims are still suffering from the trauma inflicted upon them.

In his defense, Renton’s legal counsel, Michael Anderson KC, argued that his client’s health was not optimal but that he was fit to stand trial. The defense also pointed out that given Renton’s advanced age and the time he would have to serve before any possibility of release, the risk to society in the future would be minimal, assuming he survives that long. Anderson emphasized that Renton maintains his innocence despite the court’s findings.

As part of the sentencing, Renton was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. Additionally, the court issued non-harassment orders to prevent him from contacting or approaching his victims, aiming to protect them from further harm. The case has once again brought to light the devastating impact of sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian regions.