ROBERT RUSSELL SENTENCED FOR REPEATED RAPE IN LIVINGSTON, WEST LOTHIAN

In April 2017, a man from Livingston was found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl and three other victims in West Lothian. Robert Russell, aged 46, was convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault, including the repeated rape of a 12-year-old girl, with many of the assaults occurring while his victims were asleep, rendering them particularly vulnerable.

Prosecutor Kath Harper described Russell's conduct as 'sexually deviant,' emphasizing the disturbing nature of his actions. The case was heard at the High Court in Glasgow, where the jury found Russell guilty of offences committed in Livingston over a span of more than a decade, from 2003 to 2016.

The court heard that Russell had raped one girl multiple times when she was between the ages of 12 and 14. During the trial, it was revealed that Russell had threatened to kill the girl if she disclosed what had happened to her, asserting that no one would believe her if she spoke out. These threats were intended to silence her and prevent her from seeking help.

Despite the intimidation, the girl eventually confided in her friends at school and also reached out to a friend via Facebook. However, when questioned by police in 2011 and again in 2013, she initially denied that she had been raped, likely out of fear and coercion. Prosecutor Kath Harper highlighted the impact of Russell's threats, stating, 'She was scared because he had threatened to kill her if she told. Imagine the effect that might have on a child.'

It was only in 2016, after police unexpectedly approached her, that she finally disclosed the full extent of the abuse she had endured. Her delayed disclosure underscores the profound psychological effects of Russell's threats and manipulation.

Judge Lord Clark addressed Russell directly during sentencing, stating, 'By the verdict of the jury you have been convicted of 11 charges which include the repeated rape of a young girl and sexual abuse of her and three others.' The court ordered Russell to register as a sex offender and scheduled his sentencing for the following month. Throughout the trial, Russell maintained his innocence, denying all charges and claiming that his victims were lying about the abuse.