RICHARD TATTUM FROM CREETOWN AND KIRKINNER FACES SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGES IN STRANRAER

In a significant development in the ongoing fight against sexual crimes involving minors, Richard Tattum, a 45-year-old man originally from Creetown, has been remanded in custody following his admission to multiple sexual assault charges involving two young girls. Tattum, who has more recently been residing in Buckinghamshire, appeared before Stranraer Sheriff Court on Tuesday to plead guilty to the allegations brought against him.

The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the nature and extent of the abuse. It was disclosed that some of the offences only came to light after one of the victims’ doctors noticed self-harming marks on her legs. This medical observation prompted the girl to emotionally confess that she had been subjected to abuse over several years. The court was informed that the abuse began when the girl was just nine years old, marking a deeply troubling start to what would become a prolonged period of exploitation.

Legal representative Kirsty McGowan, acting as the fiscal, outlined that the abuse was not limited to a single incident but spanned multiple years. The court heard that Tattum, who previously lived in Kirkinner before relocating to Creetown, had engaged in manipulative and abusive behavior, including purchasing gifts for the young girls. These gifts reportedly included adult toys and a nipple ring, which further underscored the disturbing nature of his interactions with the victims.

One of the victims recounted that Tattum had told her he could see into her bedroom from outside her house, which led her to cover her window with posters in an attempt to maintain some privacy. She was also told that revealing what was happening would ruin her family’s lives, a threat that contributed to her silence. During the period of abuse, she attempted to seek help by calling Childline five times, but her efforts were thwarted until she finally told Tattum that she would no longer tolerate his actions when she was 16 years old. Her disclosure came after she began a relationship with a boyfriend, which prompted her to finally speak out.

Further investigations uncovered that Tattum had also been abusing a second girl. A friend of this second victim noticed unusual behavior during a sleepover, where the girl would curl into a ball at the slightest sound and pretend to be asleep, signs indicative of trauma and fear.

When confronted by police, Tattum admitted to his actions, stating, “I’ll get what I deserve. I’ll quit my job – why would my mates work with a paedo?” His candid admission reflected a recognition of the gravity of his crimes.

As a result of his guilty plea, Tattum was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for March 25. Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.