JAMES RAE FROM BELLSHILL SENTENCED TO NEARLY FOUR YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN STRATHCLYDE PARK AND VIEWPARK
| Red Rose Database
Bellshill Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community of Bellshill and the surrounding areas, James Rae, a 64-year-old man, has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for the abuse of a young girl. The heinous acts took place over a period spanning from December 1979 to May 1985, with Rae targeting the girl at various locations including addresses and wooded areas in Viewpark, as well as in Strathclyde Park.
During the court proceedings at Hamilton Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Rae first began molesting the girl when she was only seven years old. The abuse persisted for more than five years, causing profound and lasting trauma to the victim. Despite the severity of the allegations, Rae, who resides on Rockburn Crescent in Bellshill, claimed he could not remember much about the incidents, which added a layer of complexity to the case.
The court heard that allegations of continued abuse between 1985 and 1998, when the girl was 26, were ultimately dropped, but the initial charges and evidence were sufficient to secure a conviction. Sheriff Douglas Brown emphasized the devastating impact of Rae’s actions, stating that the abuse had a “significant and lasting effect” on the victim. The woman, who has sought counselling, suffers from nightmares, low self-esteem, anxiety, and sleep disturbances as a direct result of the trauma inflicted upon her.
In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Brown highlighted the gravity of the offences, noting that the abuse began when the girl was defenseless and continued over a lengthy period. The court was told that even long after the abuse had ceased, the victim continued to struggle with its repercussions, seeking professional help in 2015. The sheriff underscored that Rae’s actions had a profound and enduring impact on her mental health and well-being.
Rae’s defence lawyer, Paul Nelson, acknowledged that his client expected to serve time in prison and had already resigned from his employment. However, Nelson argued that the court should consider whether a custodial sentence was truly in the public interest, suggesting that a non-custodial sentence might be appropriate. Despite this, Sheriff Brown firmly stated that only a “substantial” period behind bars would suffice, given the severity of the crimes.
As part of his sentence, Rae will also be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Bellshill and highlights the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse, regardless of the passage of time.
During the court proceedings at Hamilton Sheriff Court, it was revealed that Rae first began molesting the girl when she was only seven years old. The abuse persisted for more than five years, causing profound and lasting trauma to the victim. Despite the severity of the allegations, Rae, who resides on Rockburn Crescent in Bellshill, claimed he could not remember much about the incidents, which added a layer of complexity to the case.
The court heard that allegations of continued abuse between 1985 and 1998, when the girl was 26, were ultimately dropped, but the initial charges and evidence were sufficient to secure a conviction. Sheriff Douglas Brown emphasized the devastating impact of Rae’s actions, stating that the abuse had a “significant and lasting effect” on the victim. The woman, who has sought counselling, suffers from nightmares, low self-esteem, anxiety, and sleep disturbances as a direct result of the trauma inflicted upon her.
In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Brown highlighted the gravity of the offences, noting that the abuse began when the girl was defenseless and continued over a lengthy period. The court was told that even long after the abuse had ceased, the victim continued to struggle with its repercussions, seeking professional help in 2015. The sheriff underscored that Rae’s actions had a profound and enduring impact on her mental health and well-being.
Rae’s defence lawyer, Paul Nelson, acknowledged that his client expected to serve time in prison and had already resigned from his employment. However, Nelson argued that the court should consider whether a custodial sentence was truly in the public interest, suggesting that a non-custodial sentence might be appropriate. Despite this, Sheriff Brown firmly stated that only a “substantial” period behind bars would suffice, given the severity of the crimes.
As part of his sentence, Rae will also be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Bellshill and highlights the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse, regardless of the passage of time.