KEITH STURROCK FROM BUCKHAVEN SENTENCED FOR DECADE OF CHILD SEX ABUSE IN EDINBURGH

In a case that has shocked the community of Buckhaven and the wider Fife region, Keith Sturrock, a 74-year-old resident of Institution Street in Buckhaven, was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than a decade. The crimes, which took place more than 30 years ago, involved the repeated rape of two young girls and the molestation of a third girl, all of whom were minors at the time of the abuse.

Sturrock’s offending began in 1973 when he started indecently assaulting his first victim, who was only 11 years old at the time. His predatory behavior escalated to rape, and during these assaults, he reportedly struggled with the girl and struck her on the head. The abuse continued into 1974, when he began targeting a second girl, starting from the age of seven, eventually raping her as well. The pattern of abuse persisted into the mid-1970s, with Sturrock targeting a third girl in 1976, who was just eight years old.

Despite the gravity of these allegations, Sturrock maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. During his trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, he denied all charges, which included nine counts of rape, indecent assault, and indecency committed between 1973 and 1984 at various locations in Buckhaven and Methil. The jury, however, unanimously convicted him of all charges after hearing the evidence.

Judge Nigel Morrison QC presided over the case and delivered the sentence. In his remarks, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, stating, “There has to be a custodial sentence for these crimes.” He also noted that Sturrock, who was described as a first-time offender, showed no remorse or insight into his actions, as evidenced by his continued denial of guilt and claims that the victims fabricated their stories to “get back” at him. The judge expressed that, considering his age, a ten-year sentence would have been appropriate, but ultimately sentenced him to eight years in prison.

Sturrock’s previous residence on Institution Street in Buckhaven was mentioned during the proceedings. The court also ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, reflecting the ongoing risk he poses to the community. His defense counsel, Emma Toner, stated that while her client accepted the jury’s verdict, he continued to deny the allegations and disagreed with the findings. She also indicated that Sturrock, a former pit worker, accepted that a prison sentence was inevitable.

Following the sentencing, Sturrock was remanded in custody and will face further legal obligations, including registration on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community, highlighting the importance of justice for those who suffered at the hands of a man who, for years, evaded accountability.