SIMON CARROLL FROM PENICUIK SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN EDINBURGH

In a recent and highly serious case, Simon Carroll, a man residing in Penicuik, was sentenced to four years in prison at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for heinous sexual offenses committed during his teenage years. Carroll, aged 37 and living on Eastfield Farm Road in Penicuik, was also ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

The court proceedings took place last week, where Sheriff Kenneth Maciver QC presided over the case. The charges stemmed from Carroll’s abuse of two young boys, both approximately seven and eight years old at the time of the offenses. The court heard that Carroll, who was in a position of trust as a director of a community centre and day nursery in Penicuik, exploited that trust to commit sexual acts against the minors.

During the hearing, Sheriff Maciver emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “You were found guilty of serious sexual crimes against two boys of around seven and eight years of age when you were in a position of trust. The very age of the boys and the nature of the sexual acts place this case in a category and gravity at the very upper limit of it being dealt with in the Sheriff Court as opposed to the High Court.”

He further noted that the psychological impact on the victims was profound and enduring. “The combination of factors make this a case where the only appropriate disposal calls for a custodial sentence of some length,” the sheriff added. Carroll appeared visibly shocked as the sentence was handed down.

It was revealed that Carroll was convicted after a two-day trial held last month. The court found him guilty of engaging in lewd and libidinous practices against one of the boys during two separate periods, from 1993 to 1995 and again between 1997 and 2001. During these times, Carroll was aged between 14 and 22 years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of his actions during his formative years.

This case underscores the serious consequences faced by individuals who abuse positions of trust, especially when involving vulnerable children. The community in Penicuik and beyond will be watching closely as Carroll begins his prison term, and the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation and abuse.