PAUL HARTHILL FROM EDINBURGH SENTENCED FOR ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARD CHILDREN IN EAST LOTHIAN

An individual from Edinburgh, Paul Harthill, has been subjected to a comprehensive ban from any contact with two children following a series of heinous acts of abuse and neglect that spanned over a year and a half. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of misconduct that inflicted significant suffering on the young victims.

Harthill, aged 47 and residing in the Craigleith area of Edinburgh, was found to have deliberately mistreated and neglected both children during the period from April 2017 to November 2018. His actions included over-dispensing prescribed medication to one of the children, which posed serious health risks, and on one occasion, he issued a direct threat to kill the child, highlighting the severity of his abusive conduct.

Furthermore, Harthill exposed the children to environments rife with drug misuse, subjected them to living in unsanitary conditions, and failed to provide them with proper nutrition. His involvement extended to inducing the children to take controlled drugs without their knowledge, neglecting their educational needs by failing to take them to school, and leaving them unattended for extended periods when responsible for their care.

The abuse was not limited to neglect; Harthill also engaged in physical violence against the second child. Court documents detailed brutal assaults, including slapping the child’s head, punching, kicking, and repeatedly threatening to beat them with a belt. These violent episodes caused lasting trauma and were part of a broader pattern of abusive behavior.

The second child's suffering was compounded by exposure to drug misuse and living in conditions that were grossly unsanitary. Harthill’s failure to provide adequate food and his neglect in supervising the children contributed to their ongoing distress. The abuse towards this second child occurred between December 2017 and November 2018.

Harthill, who is unemployed and works as a kitchen worker, pleaded guilty to four criminal charges during his appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month. He was scheduled for sentencing on Thursday, where the court considered victim impact statements that described the profound and enduring effects of his actions on the children.

Defense lawyer Michael Elliot expressed remorse on behalf of his client, stating that Harthill was “exceedingly embarrassed and ashamed” of his conduct. He also revealed that Harthill had been using heroin at the time of the offenses but has since successfully ceased drug use. Mr. Elliot emphasized that his client was showing genuine contrition and insight into his actions.

Sheriff Julius Komorowski acknowledged the severity of the crimes, noting that if Harthill had been convicted after a trial, a custodial sentence would have been likely. However, given his guilty plea, the court opted for a community-based disposal that is both strict and comprehensive. The sheriff described the impact on the victims as devastating and emphasized that the community payback order would be enforced in the most severe terms permissible by law.

As part of his sentence, Harthill will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device on his ankle and remain within his home between 7 pm and 7 am for the next 12 months. Additionally, he must complete 300 hours of unpaid community service and is subject to a social work supervision order lasting 20 months. The court also imposed an £1800 compensation order and issued non-harassment orders that will remain in effect indefinitely.

When leaving the court, Harthill was seen covering his face with a scarf to avoid being identified, reflecting the shame associated with his actions. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of his offenses and the lasting impact on the victims, highlighting the importance of justice in cases of child abuse and neglect.