JAMES ELDER SENTENCED IN GLASGOW FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF DAUGHTER WHO TOOK HER OWN LIFE
| Red Rose Database
Glasgow Rapist
In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the Glasgow community, James Elder has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the heinous crime of raping his own daughter. The incident took place in Elder's flat located in the Parkhead area of Glasgow in September 2016. The young girl, who was a teenager at the time, was overwhelmed by trauma and later tearfully confided in her mother about the assault.
Her emotional revelation came after she had left her family home following an argument and was reported missing. She eventually returned home accompanied by two police officers, visibly distressed and exhibiting signs of severe emotional turmoil. Her mother described her daughter at that time as unrecognizable—hysterical, confused, and irritable. The mother recounted that her daughter, in a moment of distress, blurted out that Elder had raped her. She described her daughter kneeling beside her, crying and placing her head on her lap, prompting her to hold and comfort her. The mother expressed her anguish, saying, “I wish I could do that now,” reflecting her helplessness and heartbreak.
Despite her bravery in speaking out, the young victim tragically took her own life in late December 2016, just a few months after the assault. The court was informed of her death during the trial, which added a somber tone to the proceedings. Elder, who continues to deny the allegations, appeared emotional when the court read out the victim’s death. He was seen weeping and dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief as the grim news was delivered.
The police had spoken to the girl the day after the assault, and her harrowing account was read aloud in court by an officer. She recounted being at Elder’s flat that night, where she claimed three other men were present. According to her statement, the attack occurred after one of the men attempted to kiss her, which Elder then exploited to assault her. She described the assault as lasting approximately ten minutes, during which she tried to resist by slapping out and feeling utterly disgusting afterward.
The court heard that shortly after the attack, the girl was taken to hospital after her mother found her swallowing tablets, indicating her distress and suicidal thoughts. Her mother, during her testimony, expressed her pain and frustration, stating, “I am never going to be alright, but carry on. I just want to get justice. I am my daughter’s voice now. You will never understand until you lose a child.”
In the trial, the jury was also told that Elder had, weeks after the incident, confided in a visitor that he felt guilty about having sex with the girl. He had reportedly written a letter claiming that she had been “coming on to him,” and that they had slept together twice. Elder’s actions and statements further underscored the gravity of the crime and the betrayal of trust involved.
Judge Lord Matthews sentenced Elder to nine years in prison, emphasizing the unthinkable nature of a father assaulting his own daughter. The judge described the offence as “abhorrent” and a “gross breach of trust,” highlighting the severity of the crime. Elder will also be subject to two years of supervised release upon his release and has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
This case has left a lasting scar on the Glasgow community, raising profound questions about trust, safety, and the devastating impact of such crimes on victims and their families.
Her emotional revelation came after she had left her family home following an argument and was reported missing. She eventually returned home accompanied by two police officers, visibly distressed and exhibiting signs of severe emotional turmoil. Her mother described her daughter at that time as unrecognizable—hysterical, confused, and irritable. The mother recounted that her daughter, in a moment of distress, blurted out that Elder had raped her. She described her daughter kneeling beside her, crying and placing her head on her lap, prompting her to hold and comfort her. The mother expressed her anguish, saying, “I wish I could do that now,” reflecting her helplessness and heartbreak.
Despite her bravery in speaking out, the young victim tragically took her own life in late December 2016, just a few months after the assault. The court was informed of her death during the trial, which added a somber tone to the proceedings. Elder, who continues to deny the allegations, appeared emotional when the court read out the victim’s death. He was seen weeping and dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief as the grim news was delivered.
The police had spoken to the girl the day after the assault, and her harrowing account was read aloud in court by an officer. She recounted being at Elder’s flat that night, where she claimed three other men were present. According to her statement, the attack occurred after one of the men attempted to kiss her, which Elder then exploited to assault her. She described the assault as lasting approximately ten minutes, during which she tried to resist by slapping out and feeling utterly disgusting afterward.
The court heard that shortly after the attack, the girl was taken to hospital after her mother found her swallowing tablets, indicating her distress and suicidal thoughts. Her mother, during her testimony, expressed her pain and frustration, stating, “I am never going to be alright, but carry on. I just want to get justice. I am my daughter’s voice now. You will never understand until you lose a child.”
In the trial, the jury was also told that Elder had, weeks after the incident, confided in a visitor that he felt guilty about having sex with the girl. He had reportedly written a letter claiming that she had been “coming on to him,” and that they had slept together twice. Elder’s actions and statements further underscored the gravity of the crime and the betrayal of trust involved.
Judge Lord Matthews sentenced Elder to nine years in prison, emphasizing the unthinkable nature of a father assaulting his own daughter. The judge described the offence as “abhorrent” and a “gross breach of trust,” highlighting the severity of the crime. Elder will also be subject to two years of supervised release upon his release and has been placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.
This case has left a lasting scar on the Glasgow community, raising profound questions about trust, safety, and the devastating impact of such crimes on victims and their families.