GALASHIELS MAN MATTHEW WALLEY SENTENCED FOR REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG SISTERS IN THE BORDERS

In a case that has shocked the community of Galashiels and the wider Borders region, Matthew Walley, aged 46, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of subjecting two young sisters to a prolonged period of sexual abuse nearly three decades ago. The heinous offences took place between January 1987 and April 1992, when Walley was still a teenager, and involved repeated acts of sexual misconduct against the two girls, who were just four and six years old at the time.

During the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, it was revealed that Walley’s abusive behaviour persisted over a span of five years. Despite the conviction, Walley continues to deny any responsibility for the crimes, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings. The judge, Lord Stephen Woolman, delivered a stern sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Walley's actions. He stated, “Your victims were two young girls. This was persistent and shameful sexual abuse, and you continue to deny it. Your conduct has continued to have a major impact on their lives.”

One of the victims, now 37 years old and a mother herself, testified that she has struggled with the trauma for years. She explained that her experiences have made her wary of leaving her own child in the care of others, fearing that her past might repeat itself. It was only after decades of silence that she found the courage to speak out and report the abuse to the authorities.

The court also heard that Walley abused the younger sister of the same family when she was between four and seven years old. During her testimony, she recounted that Walley told her he loved her during the abuse, which at the time made her feel “special,” a sentiment that highlights the manipulative nature of his actions. Prosecutor Richard Goddard described the abuse as becoming “almost a matter of routine,” indicating the regularity and systematic nature of Walley's misconduct. The prosecution further argued that Walley’s actions were driven by his own sexual gratification, with evidence presented that he carried out these acts for his personal pleasure.

During the trial, Walley, a former taxi driver from Winston Road in Galashiels, admitted to asking one of the girls “an inappropriate question,” but he denied any sexual abuse. Despite his denial, the jury found him guilty based on the evidence presented. The defence, represented by Ms Forrest, requested that the court consider a non-custodial sentence, suggesting that a less severe punishment might be appropriate. However, Lord Woolman was unequivocal in his response, stating that the only suitable punishment for Walley's crimes was imprisonment, asserting, “You violated their childhood.”

As Walley was led away from the courtroom to begin his sentence, he showed no visible emotion, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the crimes he committed. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community of Galashiels, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating consequences of abuse.