PETER DAWSON HELENSBURGH NAVY VETERAN SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community of Helensburgh, Peter Dawson, a 46-year-old former Royal Navy submariner, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving young girls. The crimes date back over a decade, with Dawson found guilty of raping a primary schoolgirl on a single occasion between May 11, 1991, and September 30, 2000, at a residence in Helensburgh.

During the trial at the High Court in Glasgow, it was also established that Dawson had sexually abused both the girl and her sister. The court heard that Dawson, while serving in the Royal Navy at the time, engaged in disturbing acts of sexual misconduct that spanned several years. One of the most troubling aspects of the case was Dawson’s manipulation of a young girl, whom he showed a pornographic film before sexually abusing her on multiple occasions. These incidents occurred at a house in Helensburgh between July 1, 1998, and September 30, 2000, when the girl was only four and five years old. The abuse took place while Dawson was acting as a babysitter, exploiting his position of trust and the vulnerability of the children.

Despite the overwhelming evidence and the conviction, Dawson continues to maintain his innocence, asserting that he did not commit the crimes. His defense team, led by Lorraine Glancy, highlighted that Dawson had previously attempted to take his own life when the allegations first emerged. According to Ms. Glancy, Dawson was prevented from doing so by police and colleagues at his workplace. After his service in the Royal Navy, Dawson transitioned into a career as an engineer, and he was identified as a first-time offender in terms of criminal activity.

Judge Lady Wise delivered a stern judgment, condemning Dawson’s actions and emphasizing the gravity of his offenses. She stated, “You abused these vulnerable young girls in their home which should have been their sanctuary. The abuse took place when the girls’ mother was at work. Both girls were too young at the time to realize the extent of your wrongdoing. You perpetuated sexual abuse on these two young girls without thought to the harm it would do to them.” The judge further described Dawson’s crimes as “cunningly planned and executed,” underscoring the calculated nature of his misconduct and the profound impact on the victims. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Helensburgh, raising concerns about safety and the protection of children from predators in seemingly safe environments.