JAMES MERCER FROM NEWTOWN ST BOSWELLS SENT BACK TO PRISON AFTER ONLINE STING IN EDINBURGH

James Mercer, a man with a deeply troubling criminal history, has found himself once again behind bars following a recent incident involving a breach of legal restrictions. Mercer, who hails from Newtown St Boswells, was previously convicted of heinous crimes committed over two decades ago, including the torture and sexual assault of a woman with learning difficulties. His 2002 sentencing saw him receive a ten-year prison term after a court heard how he subjected his victim to a brutal campaign of rape, humiliation, and physical abuse. The victim endured a horrifying ordeal that included being raped, assaulted, stripped, starved, handcuffed, and beaten. Mercer’s accomplices, Ross Douglas and Alexander Maben, each received seven-year sentences for their roles in the abuse. The victim was subjected to three months of relentless torment, during which Mercer made her sleep naked on the hall floor, stole her benefits, and even attempted to set her on fire with turpentine—an act only thwarted when another man replaced the flammable liquid with water. She sustained 71 injuries, necessitating two weeks of hospitalization before she was placed into care. During the trial, all three men attempted to shift blame onto each other but ultimately admitted to numerous assault and indecency charges.

Fast forward to recent events, Mercer, now 55, was brought before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday after violating the terms of a sexual offence prevention order (Sopo) that had been imposed in 2018. The court was informed that Mercer was caught communicating with a woman via WhatsApp, an act that directly contravened the conditions of his order which required him to notify authorities of any new relationships. The woman, known as ‘Kendra,’ appeared to be involved in a scam, as she allegedly pretended to seek a romantic relationship while requesting money and Amazon vouchers from Mercer. The court heard that Mercer’s interactions with ‘Kendra’ included discussions about meeting in person, and that her WhatsApp account appeared to originate from abroad, raising suspicions about her true identity.

When questioned about the contact, Mercer reportedly claimed he had been “waiting for the police to come round” and that he had informed them about the communication. Prosecutor Susan Dickson explained that Mercer’s breach was serious, given the restrictions placed on him to prevent further offending. The court also learned that Mercer was currently detained at Edinburgh’s Saughton Prison, where he appeared in custody for the hearing.

In addition to this recent breach, Mercer’s criminal record is marked by a history of shocking offenses and provocative behavior. Notably, in 2009, Mercer, then 41, caused outrage when he paraded through the streets of Edinburgh dressed in a Marine uniform, complete with a corporal’s rank badge and Royal Marines insignia. This act was seen as highly disrespectful, especially considering the bravery of real Royal Marine Commandos serving in conflict zones such as Helmand province. A Royal British Legion spokesperson condemned Mercer’s actions, calling them “absolutely disgraceful.”

On Thursday, Sheriff Kenneth Campbell QC sentenced Mercer to 18 months in prison for breaching his Sopo, specifically for failing to disclose a relationship with an adult female to the Offender Management Unit between November 25 and 29 of the previous year. Mercer’s violation underscores ongoing concerns about his compliance with legal restrictions designed to protect the public from his predatory behavior. His return to incarceration highlights the persistent danger he poses and the failure of previous measures to rehabilitate or contain his dangerous tendencies.