ROSS MUIR FROM MUSSELBURGH SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN EDINBURGH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Musselburgh and the wider Edinburgh area, Ross Muir was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The incident, which took place in October 2015, involved a calculated grooming process that led to a brutal attack, leaving the young victim traumatized.

According to court proceedings, Muir, a resident of Musselburgh, lured the girl into his vehicle under false pretenses. The girl, who was only 11 years old at the time, was deceived by Muir’s manipulative tactics, which included posing as a peer and sending her an inappropriate image of a man’s private parts via mobile phone. This grooming behavior was a calculated effort to gain her trust and lower her defenses.

On the day of the assault, the girl was persuaded to leave her home in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, to meet what she believed was a peer. Instead, she encountered Ross Muir, who was sitting in a Vauxhall car. Muir instructed her to get into the vehicle, and without hesitation, he drove away from the meeting point. The girl’s initial relief turned to horror when Muir parked near her residence and subjected her to a series of sexual assaults.

During the trial, the young girl recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing how Muir kissed her, exposed himself, and forced her to perform a sex act. The assault culminated with Muir pushing her into the back seat of the car and raping her. The girl testified that the attack left her crying and in pain, and she was visibly distressed when she returned home. Her emotional trauma was evident, and her distress was confirmed when police arrived to speak with her, finding her in a highly upset state.

Law enforcement officials quickly identified Muir as the perpetrator. DNA evidence collected from the girl’s body and clothing matched his profile, and she was able to identify him in a police photo ID parade. Despite the compelling evidence, Muir maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, denying any involvement in the crime. His refusal to accept responsibility was noted by the judge, Lord Boyd of Duncansby, who described Muir’s behavior as “predatory” and emphasized that he was aware the girl was underage.

Further details emerged during the trial, revealing that Muir’s then-partner had spoken to him on the phone after his detention. She claimed that Muir told her the girl had pretended to be older and had used a fake profile picture, possibly of her sister, to contact him online. This attempt to justify his actions did little to sway the court.

Ultimately, Ross Muir was convicted of the serious charges and sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh. The judge, Lord Boyd, sentenced him to eight years in prison and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the dangers of online grooming and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from predators.