JOHN RANKIN FROM BARRHEAD SENTENCED FOR DEPRAVED SPYING ON YOUNG GIRLS IN SHETLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, John Rankin, a resident of Barrhead, has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for his involvement in a series of heinous acts of voyeurism targeting young girls in Shetland. The investigation revealed that Rankin had installed a covert bathroom camera with the intent to secretly record minors, an act described by authorities as utterly depraved.

Rankin’s illicit activities went unnoticed for almost ten years until law enforcement authorities uncovered his disturbing collection of indecent images and videos during a raid conducted last year. The police seized two desktop computers and a mobile phone from his residence, which was listed as being in Cogan Place, Barrhead. Upon examination, officers discovered that he had stored more than 12,600 still images and nearly 1,700 video clips, all depicting children ranging from toddlers to 16-year-olds. The creation dates of these files spanned from March 2011 to November 2019, indicating a prolonged period of offending.

Of particular concern, over 900 of these images and videos were classified as Category A, signifying the most serious level of indecency. The court was informed that Rankin, aged 48, had previously admitted to creating and storing these illicit materials. During the sentencing hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, prosecutors presented evidence that detectives, while searching his devices, uncovered photographs showing him setting up a secret camera. Several video clips captured him using this clandestine equipment to record young girls, some as young as 12, while they were using the toilet.

Further disturbing evidence included a recording of a woman getting dressed in a shop changing room in Lerwick, which was also linked to Rankin’s activities. Investigators emphasized that the victims were entirely unsuspecting, and their families had no knowledge of the recordings until they were asked to identify the individuals seen in the footage. This breach of privacy and trust was described as profoundly damaging.

Sheriff William Summers condemned Rankin’s actions as “utterly depraved,” highlighting the severity of his conduct. The sheriff stated, “The charges to which you’ve pled guilty relate to a deplorable course of conduct, at times carrying on over a number of months or years. These amount to a gross breach of trust and are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the woman and children involved.”

As a result of his convictions, Rankin was sentenced to 32 months in prison. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising serious concerns about privacy, safety, and the protection of vulnerable individuals in Shetland and beyond.