MAN RAPES YOUNG BOY AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTS TEEN GIRL IN HIGHLAND
A convicted sex offender committed a sexual assault on a young boy and, a year later, another sexual offence involving a teenage girl in a town in Highland.In April 2017, Liam Begg, 23 years old, attacked a six-year-old boy at a residence in Wick, Caithness, stripping the child and then engaging in sexual acts and rape.
Approximately one year later, in April 2018, Begg exposed himself and coerced a 14-year-old girl into performing a sexual act on him, then molested her in Bignold Park, Wick.
During a trial at the Edinburgh High Court, Begg denied multiple charges but was found guilty of the two crimes involving child victims.
He was cleared of an additional sexual assault charge.
After the verdicts, a judge emphasized to him, “You should be in no doubt that these are serious convictions.” Lady Ross expressed serious concern over the boy’s rape, describing the matter as “a very serious matter.” The judge informed Begg, who is currently detained at Inverness prison, that she would order reports before passing sentence on his crimes.
She indicated she would request a background report and also one assessing the potential risk he might pose in the future.
It was revealed that Begg has prior convictions primarily related to violations of court orders.
Defense lawyer Frances Connor chose to delay making a mitigation statement until the relevant reports were prepared for sentencing.
Begg will be registered as a sex offender, and his case will also be reported to Scottish Ministers under vulnerable groups legislation.
He was remanded into custody and is scheduled for sentencing on July 8.
