EDINBURGH AND SLOUGH PERVERT IAN RODHOUSE ADMITS TO SEXUAL ABUSE OF 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL AFTER 300-MILE TRIP

In a disturbing case that spans across the cities of Edinburgh and Slough, Ian Rodhouse, aged 43, has admitted to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against a 15-year-old girl. The offences, which took place over the course of a year in 2008, involved the offender traveling approximately 300 miles from his then-residence in Slough to Edinburgh, where he maintained a relationship with a woman friend. During these visits, Rodhouse subjected the young girl to repeated acts of indecency at an address in Edinburgh, taking advantage of her when she was most vulnerable, such as when she was changing into her school uniform in the mornings or during her baths.

Rodhouse's predatory behavior extended to entering her bedroom at night during weekend visits, where he would climb into her bed, cuddle her, and touch her inappropriately, including her breasts and private parts. The court heard that it was impossible to determine exactly how many times these acts occurred, but each time, the girl would ask him to stop. Despite her protests, Rodhouse continued his actions, warning her that others would be angry if she told anyone. The young victim was left distressed and tearful after these incidents, which left a lasting impact on her.

Further disturbing evidence revealed that Rodhouse also abused the girl while she was taking a bath, adding to the trauma she endured. The girl eventually confided in a woman in her household after discovering Rodhouse using an internet chat room. This revelation led to a heated argument between the woman and Rodhouse, during which the girl disclosed the full extent of her abuse, crying as she recounted her experiences. Rodhouse was confronted about her allegations and responded by crying himself, pleading with her not to call the police, claiming he could seek help to address his behavior.

Despite his pleas, the girl contacted law enforcement from her mobile phone, and police arrived to arrest Rodhouse. The woman present was hysterical, urging officers to take him away. During police interviews, Rodhouse expressed remorse, stating he wanted to take his own life. He admitted that he initially claimed to be just tickling her back but acknowledged that he had overstepped boundaries. He described their interactions as initially playful but recognized that his actions were wrong and expressed deep disgust with himself.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Rodhouse pleaded guilty to two charges of lewd, indecent, and libidinous behavior towards the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons. The court was told that his abuse was ongoing throughout 2008. The prosecution, led by fiscal depute Pauline Shade, detailed how Rodhouse sometimes entered the girl’s bed and touched her inappropriately, emphasizing the repeated nature of his misconduct. As the evidence was presented, Rodhouse broke down in tears in the dock, visibly distressed and wiping away tears.

His defense attorney, Eddie Robertson, acknowledged the seriousness of the case and confirmed that Rodhouse fully accepted his guilt. The court ordered him to register as a sex offender and sign the Sexual Offenders’ Register. The case highlights the disturbing extent of the abuse and the lengths to which Rodhouse went to satisfy his depravity, crossing hundreds of miles to carry out his predatory acts in Edinburgh while residing in Slough.