LAWTON RAMSAY JAILED IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO SCHOOLGIRLS
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Edinburgh, pensioner Lawton Ramsay has been sentenced to prison for the sexual abuse of two young sisters.The abuse took place over a period of more than four years, beginning when the girls were just 10 and 11 years old, following the death of their mother.
Ramsay, aged 77 and residing in the Mayfield area of Edinburgh, targeted the sisters during their visits to his home, exploiting their vulnerability during a difficult time in their lives.
Ramsay was brought to trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in November, where a jury found him guilty of four separate charges of child abuse committed between April 2005 and July 2009.
The court heard that Ramsay’s actions had a profound impact on the victims, who were minors at the time of the offenses.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Ramsay had been suffering from depression in the months following the abuse, which led him to confide in his doctor about what he had done to the girls.
Following Ramsay’s confession, the doctor immediately contacted the police to report the allegations.
An investigation ensued, resulting in Ramsay’s arrest and subsequent interview by law enforcement officials.
During the police interview, which was played in full during the trial, Ramsay admitted to having sexual contact with the girls.
However, he claimed that he believed both girls to be over the age of 16 at the time, a statement that was met with skepticism by the court.
Ramsay also alleged that the older girl had 'instigated' the sexual contact and that both girls had 'wound him up sexually.' In the aftermath of the verdict, Ramsay’s solicitor, Brian Gilfedder, disclosed that his client had attempted to take his own life following the jury’s decision.
Gilfedder also commented on Ramsay’s attitude, describing him as having a 'very old-fashioned attitude towards women and sex.' The solicitor added that Ramsay 'genuinely believes' he is not a paedophile and that his views had been clouded by his 'male-oriented attitudes.' At the sentencing hearing, Sheriff Alistair Noble sentenced Ramsay to a total of 27 months in prison.
Additionally, Ramsay was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
The sheriff emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, 'You were convicted by a jury of four charges against two sisters while they were children.
You did not dispute the sexual conduct involving the sisters.
No force was involved, but in the case of children, force may not be required.
Plainly, the girls seem to be very affected by your conduct.' The sheriff concluded that only custody was appropriate in this case, reflecting the serious nature of the offenses committed by Ramsay in Edinburgh.
