MICHAEL TODD FROM CRIEFF ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD MOLESTATION CASE IN EDINBURGH

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Highland community, Michael Todd, a man with deep ties to Crieff, narrowly avoided a custodial sentence after being convicted of serious sexual offenses committed nearly a quarter of a century ago. The incident, which took place on a Highland estate, culminated in a High Court hearing in Edinburgh where Todd, aged 59 and originally from Monzie, faced the consequences of his actions.

During the trial, the court heard that Todd had been found guilty of three charges of indecent behaviour and indecent assault, all dating back to 1981. Despite the gravity of these allegations, Todd was sentenced to 250 hours of community service, a decision that has sparked debate about the adequacy of punishment for such offenses. The judge, Lord Wheatley, emphasized that while the offences were at the lower end of the severity spectrum, they were nonetheless serious.

Michael Todd, who previously served as a scout leader, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. He claimed that he was the victim of a hate campaign driven by his English nationality. The court was also informed that Todd’s artist uncle, who had faced allegations of sexual abuse himself, died before he could stand trial alongside his nephew. The uncle’s death prevented a potential joint prosecution that might have shed more light on the allegations.

It was revealed that Todd had relocated to Scotland with his family, including Charles Stanley Todd, who was known for his interest in painting game birds. The court heard that Michael Todd had been working on the Monzie Estate, a property involved in importing wood preservers from Norway, at the time of the offences. He is also the primary caregiver for his elderly aunt, who suffers from significant incapacity and relies heavily on his support.

A witness testified that Todd had abused him after showing him around the estate’s private power station. The court also learned that Todd lost his job as a handyman at a Crieff hotel after one of his victims informed his employer about the allegations. Furthermore, Todd’s family was subjected to harassment, including late-night phone calls and the posting of warning notices near his home, which added to the community’s concern.

Throughout the trial, Todd denied any sexual motives behind his interactions with young people, claiming that his involvement with children was purely innocent. He also suggested that one of the victims leading the campaign against him had been influenced by Scottish nationalist parents. His defense lawyer, Jack Davidson QC, highlighted Todd’s dependence on his aged and incapacitated aunt, emphasizing his devotion to her care and suggesting that the community’s perception of him had been unfairly tarnished.

Judge Lord Wheatley acknowledged the emotional distress caused to the victims but ultimately decided that a custodial sentence was unnecessary in this case. Instead, Todd was sentenced to community service, with the court recognizing his role as a caregiver and the relatively minor nature of the offences, despite their seriousness. The case continues to evoke strong reactions from the local community in Crieff and beyond, raising ongoing questions about justice and rehabilitation in cases involving historical abuse allegations.