RICHARD TATTAM FROM CREETOWN AND NORTH MARSTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN SCOTLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked communities in Creetown, North Marston, and beyond, Richard Tattam, aged 45, has been convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving two young girls in Galloway, Scotland. The case, which spanned several years, culminated in a sentencing hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh, where Tattam received a four-year prison term and was ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Lady Scott, presiding over the case, addressed Tattam directly in court on a Wednesday in July 2014, stating, “You have pled guilty to a sustained course of conduct involving the sexual abuse of two young children.” She emphasized the severity of his actions, noting that he had not only assaulted the girls but also further corrupted them by showing them pornography and purchasing sex toys for their exploitation. The judge remarked that, had Tattam not entered early guilty pleas, he would have faced a six-year sentence, underscoring the gravity of his crimes.

It was revealed that Tattam, originally from Buckinghamshire but residing with his family in Creetown and previously in Kirkinner, had admitted to indecency offenses against the victims, who were aged nine and 11 at the time of the abuse. One of the girls was so deeply affected that she began self-harming, while the other had attempted to contact Childline multiple times but hung up before revealing her ordeal. The abuse only came to light after one of the victims confided in her boyfriend, and the other indicated her distress to her doctor.

During the proceedings, it was disclosed that Tattam had bought gifts for the victims, including adult toys, and had warned one girl that revealing the abuse would ruin her family’s lives. His attempts to manipulate and silence the victims extended to showing them pornography, further traumatizing them. Tattam’s initial appearance in Stranraer Sheriff Court in February resulted in his case being transferred to the High Court due to the seriousness of the offenses and the need for a more substantial sentencing authority.

Defense solicitor advocate Ranald Lindsay expressed remorse on Tattam’s behalf, describing his actions as a matter of “deep disgust and shame.” The court was informed that Tattam had shown motivation to participate in rehabilitation programs to prevent future offenses. He also conveyed Tattam’s apologies to the victims, acknowledging the profound impact of his actions.

Prior to the sentencing, Tattam’s case faced multiple delays, primarily due to administrative issues and the unavailability of background reports from social services. These delays frustrated the court, with Lady Scott criticizing the repeated technological and procedural failures that hindered the process. Tattam, a former BT engineer, was remanded in custody and scheduled for sentencing on July 30, 2014, in Edinburgh.

Earlier in April 2014, the case had been deemed too serious for the lower court, prompting its transfer to the High Court. Tattam’s history of abuse, which began after he moved to Scotland in 2002, was uncovered through victim statements and police investigations. The abuse was only disclosed after one girl confided in her boyfriend, and another was identified through her doctor’s examination. The victims’ bravery in coming forward was acknowledged by authorities, who emphasized the devastating effects of the abuse on their childhoods, education, and self-esteem.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Tattam’s background was scrutinized, revealing his move from North Marston to Scotland for work as a BT engineer, and his return to North Marston following his arrest. His actions have left a lasting scar on the victims, who have shown remarkable resilience in helping police bring him to justice. The case has highlighted the importance of vigilance and support for victims of child abuse, and the community continues to grapple with the profound implications of this case.