April 2011 Paedophile Jailed Years After Abuse A PAEDOPHILE who abused a little girl for three years has been jailed – almost two decades after the abuse started. James Frew’s victim was aged between eight and 11 when she was subjected to sleazy acts at the hands of the fiend. But she is now a brave young woman and found the courage not only to come forward to police, but to stand and give evidence against Frew in court. In a cruel twist of fate, after the woman described her ordeal in the witness box and was cross examined by lawyers determined to prove Frew’s innocence, the pervert admitted to social workers that the allegations were true. Frew was found guilty of using lewd and libidinous practices against the girl on three occasions. The vile attacks happened at an address in East Ayrshire between February 1993 and February 1996. Sentence was deferred on the 55-year-old for background reports. And it was during an interview with social workers that Frew, who cannot read or write, admitted his guilt. His defence QC Susan Duff told the court this week that despite this matter, Frew’s long term partner has vowed to stand by him. As he was led away to begin an 18 month jail sentence, members of the remarkable young woman’s family applauded in court and shouted: “Justice at last.” Before sentencing, Sheriff Desmond Leslie condemned Frew’s twisted behaviour – and heaped praise on his victim. Sheriff Leslie said: “Anyoffence subject to inflicting this behaviour upon a child is an extremely serious matter. “I’ve given much consideration to this lengthy report. There is no alternative to a custodial sentence. “Your victim gave evidence clearly and without exaggeration in my view. She restricted it to three incidents, not withstanding her giving evidence and her cross-examination. “I now read an admission on your part of these sad incidents, which caused the destruction of this girl’s childhood. “I have no doubt what happened caused her considerable anxiety. It would appear she was not believed initially when she reported it to police. “It is fortunate she has got herself back on track.” Frew, of Hareshaw Crescent in Muirkirk, will have to sign the sex offender’s register on his release.