RUPERT VALPY SHOCKS LOCHABER WITH SEX OFFENCE SENTENCE AND £10,000 COMPENSATION

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Lochaber community, Rupert Valpy, an international businessman with ties to the region, was ordered to pay a substantial sum in compensation to his young victim following his admission to child sex offences. The proceedings took place at Fort William Sheriff Court, where Valpy appeared yesterday after a previous hearing was postponed to allow for social work reports to be prepared.

Rupert Valpy, aged 68 and now residing in Saint-André-et-Appelles, Gironde, France, faced serious allegations concerning his conduct during a period spanning from February 22, 2003, to February 21, 2006. The charges involved lewd and indecent behaviour directed towards a child at a residence located on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, a remote and scenic part of Lochaber known for its natural beauty and tranquility.

Valpy’s background is notable; he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Law and Economics from the University of Southampton and has professional credentials as an accountant, having qualified with the prestigious firm PricewaterhouseCoopers in London. His career has also included work in property development, with a base in Merignas, a town in south-west France, indicating a life that spans multiple countries and industries.

During the court session, Sheriff William Murray QC addressed Valpy directly, emphasizing the gravity of the offences and the importance of public safety. The sheriff acknowledged the social work report and a poignant statement from the victim, who was only 15 years old at the time of the offences. Sheriff Murray stated, “I have listened carefully to what your solicitor has said and have also read the Criminal Justice Department’s social work report. I have also read a very poignant statement from the victim who is 15.”

He further explained that Valpy had accepted responsibility for his actions, which were carried out while clothed, but nonetheless constituted serious misconduct. The sheriff emphasized the need for a severe penalty in the public interest, ordering Valpy to pay £10,000 in compensation to the victim. Additionally, a fine of £3,000 was imposed, and Valpy was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of five years from the date of sentencing.

Valpy was given a three-month window to settle the compensation amount, with the court indicating that a fines enforcement order would be implemented to ensure compliance. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of Scottish authorities to address and penalize sexual offences, regardless of the offender’s background or international ties, and highlights the impact such crimes have on victims and communities alike.