ROY FURBY SENTENCED IN STENHOUSEMUIR FOR CHILD ABUSE NEAR FALKIRK

In August 2006, a 72-year-old man named Roy Furby was sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls at a residence in Stenhousemuir, a town near Falkirk. The heinous acts took place during the early 1970s, a period when the offenses occurred between 1971 and 1974. Both victims, now women in their 40s and married, had kept their traumatic experiences hidden for many years, only revealing the details of their abuse after considerable time had passed.

During the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, it was revealed that the abuse had left deep scars on the victims’ lives. One of the women disclosed that she had confided in a friend about her childhood trauma in 2003, which eventually led her to share her story with her family. It was only two years later, in 2005, that police were involved, initiating an investigation into Furby’s actions. The other victim also reported suffering from depression and panic attacks, which she attributed to the abuse she endured as a child. Both women expressed that their experiences had significantly impacted their mental health, leading to issues such as self-harm, eating disorders, and ongoing emotional distress.

Furby’s defense lawyer, QC Ian Duguid, argued that his client was suffering from poor health and was living in relative isolation at a hostel in Grangemouth. He requested leniency from the court, emphasizing that Furby had pleaded guilty, thereby sparing his victims the ordeal of testifying in court. Duguid also pointed out that Furby’s lack of a criminal record and his current health condition should be considered as mitigating factors.

Judge Lord Abernethy acknowledged that the maximum sentence permissible under the law at the time of the offenses was two years for each charge. He noted that Furby’s age, health issues, and the fact that the crimes occurred many years ago were relevant considerations. Nonetheless, the judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on the victims’ lives, stating, “They also, it appears, had a very serious effect on the subsequent lives of the two victims.” The court’s decision reflected a balance between legal constraints and the recognition of the victims’ suffering, resulting in Furby’s imprisonment for a total of 28 months.