MICHAEL CUMMINS AND SAMANTHA CRAWFORD FROM KIRKCALDY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE CASE IN EDINBURGH

A disturbing case of child abuse involving Michael Cummins and Samantha Crawford from Kirkcaldy in Fife has culminated in their being sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their heinous crimes. The pair, who were once married but divorced in 2022, committed a series of appalling acts against young children, including a one-year-old girl, over a period spanning from 2014 to 2018.

According to court proceedings, Crawford and Cummins coerced two boys, aged seven and three at the time, into participating in their sexual assaults on the infant girl. The abuse was not limited to the girl alone; the couple also sexually assaulted a fourth child, a boy born in 2014. The children, under duress, were made to promise secrecy, with Crawford and Cummins instructing them to say, “zip it, lock it, put it in your pocket,” to prevent them from revealing the abuse to any adult.

The court heard that Cummins was responsible for raping and physically assaulting the seven-year-old victim, while the one-year-old girl was subjected to repeated sexual assaults on multiple occasions. The two older children were involuntarily involved in the attacks against their will, highlighting the extent of the offenders’ manipulation and cruelty.

During the trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, both Crawford, aged 33, and Cummins, aged 35, denied any wrongdoing. However, after a week and a half of harrowing evidence, the jury found them guilty of all charges. The evidence presented was described as “devastating,” with many details deemed too graphic to be included in public reports.

Lord Harrower, presiding over the case, described their conduct as “extreme” and emphasized that neither offender had shown any remorse for their actions. He also noted that the impact on the victims would be long-lasting and profoundly damaging. The judge ordered both to be placed on the sex offenders register for life. Additionally, Crawford was sentenced to 10 years in prison and will be supervised for three years upon release, while Cummins received a 14-year sentence and will be supervised for four years after serving his term.

During the sentencing, Crawford was visibly emotional, crying as the verdict was read, whereas Cummins remained stoic and emotionless. Lord Harrower highlighted the severity of their crimes, stating, “Your offending must be categorised as extreme. The impact of your offending on these children will be devastating.” He further condemned their lack of responsibility and remorse, underscoring the gravity of their actions and the lasting harm inflicted on the young victims.