RALPH PICKTHALL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN PERTHSHIRE

A man convicted of multiple severe sexual offences has been handed a four-year prison sentence. Ralph Pickthall, aged 62, was found guilty at Stirling Sheriff Court of five separate charges linked to his abusive behavior towards children in Perthshire during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The court heard that Pickthall’s actions spanned several years and involved disturbing acts of misconduct against young victims. Following the verdict, Sheriff Derek Hamilton emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “The jury unanimously found you guilty of all five charges and the criminal justice social work report states you have shown little, if any, responsibility for your actions. The offences were committed whilst you were in an assured position of trust.”

As part of his sentencing, Pickthall was also ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The charges against him detailed a pattern of lewd and libidinous behavior directed at two children, aged five to 11 and six to 13 respectively. The court was told that Pickthall repeatedly exposed himself to the children, masturbated in their presence, and showed them pornographic images. He also made inappropriate remarks and encouraged sexual acts, including masturbation and simulated sex acts, during these encounters.

One particularly disturbing incident involved Pickthall forcing a young victim to strip naked in the shower, during which he also encouraged the boy to masturbate, an act he himself performed in front of the child. These acts of abuse were described as deeply traumatic for the victims and demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior.

In addition to the offences against children, Pickthall was also found to have committed sexual misconduct involving a woman. This included acts of public indecency, such as flashing her on a riverbank, and indecent assault, which involved rubbing her leg during a car journey. These incidents further underscored the extent of his misconduct.

During the court proceedings, the defense acknowledged the seriousness of the charges and the concerns raised in the social work report. They recognized the importance of intervention and rehabilitation, with the defendant being aware that a lengthy custodial sentence was a probable outcome given the nature of his crimes.