ROSS HANRATTY SENTENCED IN EDINBURGH FOR SEX OFFENSE AGAINST SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Edinburgh, Ross Hanratty, aged 31, was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to the sexual abuse of a six-year-old girl.The incident occurred on November 26, 2004, in Magdalene Drive, Edinburgh, during a time when the young girl was playing with friends following a birthday celebration.
According to court reports, Hanratty approached the girl while she was engaged in a game of hide-and-seek with her friends.
Initially, he suggested a hiding spot in a nearby stairwell, claiming it would be a good place for her to hide from her pursuers.
However, his intentions quickly turned sinister.
He led her to a secluded area within a nearby garden, where he asked her to sit on his knee before engaging in inappropriate conduct.
The court heard that Hanratty touched the girl in a manner that was described as lewd and libidinous.
After the assault, the girl managed to escape and immediately informed her parents.
Before they could arrive, Hanratty fled the scene, evading immediate arrest.
It was later established through DNA evidence that traces found on the girl’s underwear matched Hanratty’s DNA, leading to his arrest.
Despite the evidence, Hanratty had previously failed to appear in court in October 2006 when he was due to face prosecution, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest.
He was eventually detained by police in November of the following year.
During the sentencing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sheriff Frank Crowe emphasized the gravity of the crime, describing it as “despicable” and committed against a vulnerable young girl without warning.
The sheriff noted that Hanratty’s early guilty plea spared the girl from the trauma of giving evidence in court.
As part of his sentence, Hanratty was ordered to serve 12 months in jail, with an extension of 18 months under supervision by social workers after his release.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years.
Sheriff Crowe also mentioned that if Hanratty had not admitted guilt, he would have faced a sentence of 16 months.
Defense solicitor Paul Dunne stated that Hanratty had been assessed as suitable for a sex offender rehabilitation program and was beginning to show some insight into his offending behavior.
The court’s sentence was backdated to November, reflecting the time Hanratty had already spent in custody.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting children from predatory behavior in the community of Edinburgh.
