JOSEPH HANDLEY'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN DUMFRIES: CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE SHOCK THE COMMUNITY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the town of Dumfries, Joseph Handley, aged 47, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young girls. The offences, which spanned over a decade, included attempted rape, multiple instances of rape, and indecent practices against two girls who were only four and twelve years old at the time of the abuse.

Handley's crimes came to light after the younger victim confided in a friend, who then disclosed the abuse to her father. The court heard that the abuse began in 1993 at an address in Blantyre, where Handley, residing on Goldie Avenue in Dumfries, started to manipulate and assault the 12-year-old girl. He subjected her to repeated sexual acts and began raping her regularly, with the assaults continuing over several years.

In 1994, Handley's predatory behavior shifted to a new victim, a young girl who had initially asked to watch a Disney movie. Instead, he showed her a pornographic film, then coerced her into performing sexual acts and attempted to rape her. During this period, he also took explicit photographs of her in the shower at a Dumfries residence, further demonstrating his predatory nature.

Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that Handley used threats of violence to silence his victims. He repeatedly threatened to kill the younger girl’s family if she disclosed the abuse or failed to comply with his demands. The older girl, now aged 17, and the younger girl, now aged 27, testified that Handley had raped them multiple times between 1994 and 2000. The older girl was subjected to regular rapes, while the younger girl was forced to perform sex acts after playing Monopoly, and was also made to watch a pornographic film.

Judge Rita Rae QC, presiding over the case at the High Court in Glasgow, described the crimes as among the most heinous that courts must confront. She emphasized that such abuse is committed for selfish reasons, primarily for the sexual gratification of the perpetrator, and leaves lasting scars on the victims. The judge condemned Handley's breach of trust, noting that he exploited his position to commit these terrible acts.

Handley was convicted on multiple counts, including indecent practices towards the two girls, attempted rape, and multiple instances of rape. The court found that he had committed these offences over a period from 1993 to 2000, with specific charges relating to the younger girl between November 1994 and November 1995, and the older girl between March 1994 and March 1998. His previous convictions for assault were also noted during sentencing.

As he was led away from the courtroom, Handley shook his head, showing no remorse. The case has left a lasting impact on the Dumfries community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators like him.