LEVEN MAN RAYMOND OLDHAM SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE IN FIFE AND EAST LOTHIAN

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Leven, Fife, and East Lothian, Raymond Oldham, a 51-year-old resident of Leven, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over an extensive period of 33 years. The sentencing took place at Edinburgh High Court on a recent Wednesday, where Oldham pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned more than three decades.

Oldham's victims included five young boys and one girl, all of whom were between the ages of eight and 13 at the time of their victimization. The crimes, which began when Oldham was just 15 years old, continued into his adult years, highlighting a long-standing predatory behavior that persisted over a significant portion of his life. The court heard that the abuse was not confined to a single location but occurred across various sites within the Fife and East Lothian regions, further complicating efforts to prevent and detect the crimes.

The investigation into Oldham's activities was initiated after police uncovered an image of a child on his mobile phone in 2016, which prompted a thorough probe into his digital devices and activities. Following this discovery, law enforcement officials moved swiftly to arrest him in July 2017, leading to the charges that ultimately resulted in his conviction.

During the sentencing hearing, Lord Boyd of Duncansby addressed Oldham directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the risks he posed to the community. He stated, “Raymond Oldham, you have been convicted on your own plea of a series of sexual offences against young children, in particular young boys. These offences span over 30 years and commenced when you were 15 years of age.”

The judge highlighted the disturbing nature of Oldham’s admitted sexual attraction to male children and teenagers, which contributed to the court’s decision to impose a stringent sentence. Recognizing the potential for reoffending, Lord Boyd declared that Oldham would be subject to an extended period of supervision following his release, specifically an additional six years of monitoring. This extended sentence reflects the court’s concern for public safety and the need to prevent further harm.

In his remarks, Lord Boyd underscored the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society, stating, “It is clear from the report that you pose a significant risk of sexual re-offending, and I have a duty to protect the public. Any custodial sentence I can impose is not sufficient for this purpose, which is why I am imposing an extended sentence.” The court’s decision underscores the severity of Oldham’s crimes and the lasting impact on his victims and the community at large.