JAMIE FRASER SENTENCED IN HAWICK FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

A 24-year-old man from Hawick, Jamie Fraser, has been sentenced to a prison term of 32 months following his involvement in a serious sexual offense involving a young girl. Fraser, who resides on Buccleuch Street in Hawick, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 12-year-old girl after they had met through mutual friends and communicated via text messages.

The incident came to light after the girl, who had been reported missing, was located. It was established that she had arranged to stay at Fraser's flat on 16 July of the previous year, claiming to her parents that she was with a friend. However, she traveled to Hawick, where Fraser met her. The two shared two bottles of Lambrini wine with another couple before the girl went to bed. Fraser then joined her and engaged in sexual activity.

According to court proceedings, Fraser admitted to having sex with the girl during police interviews. He explained that he did not know her exact age but believed she was under 15. The court was informed that Fraser had met the girl through friends and that their communication had included text messages. The girl’s parents and law enforcement officials had already begun searching for her when she was found.

Fraser, who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, also confessed to having sex and raping the girl at his residence, where he lived alone. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Fraser’s mental health condition might have influenced his emotional development, which was considered during sentencing. The presiding judge described the offense as 'very serious' and emphasized the importance of legal protections designed to shield minors from sexual exploitation.

During the sentencing, Lord Turnbull addressed Fraser directly, stating: 'As an adult you were very well aware that such conduct with such a young girl was unlawful.' The court also reviewed a psychiatric report indicating Fraser’s recent serious illness, which could have impacted his emotional maturity.

In addition to the 32-month prison sentence, Fraser was ordered to undergo monitoring for a further three years. The defense acknowledged Fraser’s full cooperation throughout the legal process and recognized that he was assessed as a high risk. The judge underscored the critical need to protect children from sexual abuse and highlighted the gravity of Fraser’s actions, reaffirming the legal system’s commitment to safeguarding minors from exploitation.