JOHN TERVET FROM KIRRIEMUIR CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND MOLESTATION OF YOUNG GIRL AND WOMAN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Kirriemuir, John Tervet, a 58-year-old man with a military background, has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl and an adult woman. The crimes span over several years and include a pattern of predatory behavior that has left a lasting impact on the victims and their families.

According to court proceedings, Tervet engaged in a prolonged campaign of abuse against a 12-year-old girl, luring her to secluded locations around Kirriemuir with promises of alcohol. Over a period of five months, he repeatedly molested her at various remote sites, including a lay-by near Caddam Woods. The young girl, who was just a child at the time, was subjected to multiple forms of sexual assault, including being kissed on the lips, touched over her clothing, and having her trousers and underwear lowered for inappropriate contact. Throughout this period, the abuse was carried out in silence, with Tervet sending her sexual images of his crotch and boxer shorts, further coercing her into silence.

The court heard that Tervet also sent the girl sexual messages and supplied her with cigarettes and alcohol, which he culpably and recklessly provided to a minor. His actions were motivated by a desire to manipulate and exploit the young girl, who was vulnerable and impressionable. The abuse began in January 2017 and persisted until May of the same year, until the girl finally found the courage to confide in her family.

In addition to the abuse of the young girl, Tervet was convicted of sexually assaulting an adult woman who had employed him as her gardener during the summer of 2015. The court heard that he forced himself on her on five separate occasions, actions that she described as deeply invasive and traumatic. The victim, who was a family friend’s daughter, recounted her ordeal, stating that she was only 12 when the abuse started and that it continued even after her 13th birthday. She explained that she was afraid to report the incidents earlier, fearing retaliation or not being believed, but eventually confided in her brother and mother.

During the trial, a written statement from the victim’s mother was read aloud. She expressed her initial trust in Tervet, noting that he would take her daughter out in his car. However, she became increasingly concerned when her daughter appeared flushed and distressed after their outings. When she confronted Tervet about her suspicions, he denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he had never used Snapchat, despite evidence of a Snapchat account linked to his email address. Tervet insisted that his account had been hacked, a claim the court did not accept.

Throughout the trial at Forfar Sheriff Court, Tervet maintained his innocence, denying all allegations. He claimed that the young girl’s accusations were vengeful and motivated by his refusal to buy her alcohol for a party. However, the jury rejected his defense after deliberation, finding him guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and misconduct. The verdict was met with applause from the girl’s family, who expressed relief and a sense of justice after a six-year fight for accountability. They issued a statement emphasizing that the process had taken far too long but that they were grateful for the outcome.

In court, Sheriff Krista Johnston ordered Tervet to be placed on the sex offenders register and deferred sentencing to allow for background reports. Tervet was released on bail pending further proceedings. As the case concludes, the community of Kirriemuir is left to grapple with the disturbing revelations and the ongoing impact on the victims involved.