KEVIN VIVERS FROM BATHGATE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY AND SEXUAL OFFENCES IN WEST LOTHIAN AND STIRLINGSHIRE

Kevin Vivers, born in 1965 and with a last known residence on Dalling Avenue in Bathgate, EH48 2SB, has been convicted of a disturbing and extensive series of crimes spanning over three decades. His criminal activities include a wide range of animal cruelty offences, as well as multiple counts of sexual assault and rape, which have left a trail of devastation across West Lothian and Stirlingshire.

Vivers initially denied the numerous charges brought against him, but after a thorough legal process, he was found guilty of 27 separate crimes. These convictions encompass five separate incidents of animal cruelty, nine counts of rape, seven assaults, and four sexual assault charges. The timeline of his offending stretches from his teenage years in 1985 all the way through to 2021, revealing a pattern of depraved behaviour that persisted for more than 36 years.

His heinous acts against animals began early in his life, with his first recorded episode of cruelty occurring in 1985. During this period, he repeatedly punched a dog and kicked a cat, demonstrating a disturbing disregard for animal life. The cruelty escalated over the years, with reports indicating that around 2012, Vivers attacked two dogs by lifting them by their collars, hitting them with sticks, and kicking them. In 1993, in Bathgate, he committed two particularly brutal acts of animal killing—shooting one dog and slitting the throat of another. There are also allegations that he used dogs for hunting rabbits, deer, and foxes, and that he drowned some of these animals, further highlighting the severity of his animal abuse.

Beyond his animal cruelty, Vivers subjected seven female victims, including a minor aged 13 or 14, to a series of sexual assaults and rapes. His crimes against these individuals are described as deeply depraved, with the victims suffering long-lasting trauma. The extent of his sexual offending was so significant that it prompted a high-profile court case in Edinburgh.

During the proceedings, a judge at the High Court in Edinburgh imposed a lifelong restriction order on Vivers, mandating that he serve a minimum of 10 years in prison before being considered for release. Lord Lake, presiding over the case, emphasized that this order does not guarantee automatic release at the end of the period. Instead, Vivers will only be freed if parole authorities are convinced that his release would not pose a danger to public safety. Expert reports prepared for the case concluded that Vivers presents a high risk of reoffending, underscoring the seriousness of his crimes.

Lord Lake described Vivers’ conduct as a series of serious offences, noting that when viewed collectively, they reveal a pattern of depraved and calculated behaviour. During the sentencing, Vivers appeared via a video link from prison and claimed, “I have been penalised for something that is well and truly unproved,” a statement that drew criticism from the court.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven McMillan commented on the case, describing it as particularly difficult due to the horrific nature of Vivers’ crimes and the prolonged period over which the animal abuse occurred. He also took the opportunity to encourage victims of sexual abuse to come forward, emphasizing that there is no statute of limitations for reporting such crimes.

As part of his sentence, Vivers has been placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. The court also issued orders prohibiting him from directly or indirectly contacting his victims, aiming to protect them from further harm. The final sentence includes a lifelong restriction order with a minimum of 10 years to be served behind bars, reflecting the gravity of his offences and the community’s need for safety.