THOMAS WATT SENTENCED TO OVER EIGHT YEARS FOR ABUSE IN CULLODEN AND INVERNESS

In a significant case that has shocked the local communities of Culloden and Inverness, Thomas Watt, a 52-year-old offshore worker, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of eight years and four months at the High Court in Edinburgh. The conviction stems from his heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of two young girls, crimes that spanned over a decade and left lasting scars on the victims.

Watt, residing at 8 Redburn Avenue in Culloden, near Inverness, was found guilty of multiple charges related to lewd and indecent behavior. The court heard that Watt took advantage of opportunities when the children’s mother was away, often left in his care while she went to play bingo. During these times, Watt engaged in disturbing acts that included getting into bed with the girls and performing sexual acts on them. He also coerced one of the victims into performing a sexual act on him, further compounding the severity of his offenses.

The abuse of the first girl began sometime between 1986 and 1994, when she was just eight years old. The second girl was subjected to Watt’s abuse from 1992 until 2000, also starting at the age of eight. These timelines reveal a pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over many years, deeply affecting the victims’ lives.

Law enforcement authorities, including the Northern Constabulary, expressed their satisfaction with the court’s decision. Detective Inspector John Patience publicly stated, “We are delighted with the sentence handed out to Thomas Watt. Our thoughts are very much with the victims of these crimes, and we hope that the severity of the sentence helps bring some closure to them for the abuse they have suffered.”

He further emphasized the lasting impact such crimes have on victims, noting that the length of Watt’s sentence reflects the court’s recognition of the seriousness of these offenses. During the proceedings, it was revealed that one of the victims now suffers from depression and mood swings, while the other has described her life as being wrecked by the abuse she endured.

One of the victims had initially reached out for help by contacting the charity Childline at the age of 11. However, she was reluctant to disclose details at that time and was afraid to involve the police. It was only when she reached adulthood in 2007 that she finally reported the abuse to authorities, leading to Watt’s arrest and subsequent conviction.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual abuse, and it highlights the long-term consequences such crimes can have on individuals and communities alike.