LEIGH ANDERSON FROM FALKIRK SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN EDINBURGH

In December 2006, a man named Leigh Anderson, aged 31, was sentenced to a significant prison term following a disturbing sexual assault involving a young girl. The incident took place in Falkirk, where Anderson resided, and the case was brought before the High Court in Edinburgh.

According to court records, Anderson was convicted of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl after taking her out to buy sweets. The assault occurred at his home in Falkirk, a detail that added to the gravity of the case given the breach of trust involved. The court heard that the girl’s mother and the young victim had been visiting a friend in the area when Anderson was present in the household. During this visit, Anderson took the girl with him to a nearby shop, an outing that was seemingly innocent but ultimately led to a serious criminal act.

Judge Lord Menzies presided over the case and sentenced Anderson to six and a half years in prison. The judge also ordered Anderson to be placed on the sex offenders’ register, emphasizing the severity of the crime. In his remarks, Lord Menzies described the incident as a “very serious breach of trust,” highlighting the betrayal involved in a sexual assault committed against a vulnerable child. The judge further noted that Anderson’s mental capacity was limited, as he was said to have a low IQ, which hindered his ability to fully understand or explain his actions.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Anderson had an IQ estimated to be between 76 and 87, placing him within the lower range of the general population. This factor was considered in the sentencing, with the defense arguing that Anderson lacked a full understanding of the impact of his behavior. Anderson later confessed to the police and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity to a charge of sexual assault, which the court acknowledged as a mitigating factor.

Defense lawyer Paul Nelson pointed out that Anderson’s limited understanding of the consequences of his actions contributed to his early admission of guilt. The court also took into account that Anderson had no prior convictions related to similar offenses and that there was no evidence of prolonged abuse. Despite these factors, Lord Menzies emphasized the seriousness of the breach of trust and the harm caused to the victim and her family.

The court ultimately imposed an extended sentence totaling ten and a half years, which includes a four-year period of supervised release following his eventual release from prison. The judge explained that if Anderson had not pleaded guilty early, he could have faced an eight-year sentence. Anderson is currently listed as a prisoner at Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow, serving his sentence for this grave offense. The case has left a lasting impact on the local community in Falkirk and has been a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children from harm.