WES NICHOLL FROM LEITH SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE IN EDINBURGH AND LANARK

In a case that has shocked the community, Wes Nicholl, a man from Leith, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl. The incident took place over a series of occasions at a residence in Lanark between November 2005 and August of the following year. The court found him guilty of multiple counts of rape, leading to a severe sentencing that reflects the gravity of his actions.

Following his conviction, Lord Uist emphasized the severity of child rape as a crime, describing it as 'detestable' and warranting a lengthy punishment. Nicholl, who is also known as Wes, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Additionally, the judge ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely, a measure aimed at safeguarding the public, especially young girls, from potential harm.

Lord Uist further mandated that Nicholl remain under supervision for an extra six years after his release, highlighting the ongoing risk he poses. During the proceedings, defense lawyer Matt Jackson acknowledged that Nicholl was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions and expressed his client's willingness to seek help. Jackson stated, 'His position to me is that he is mindful that his actions were wrong and that his motivations are also entirely wrong. He has said to me that he does wish to avail himself of any help which may be given to him.'

However, the judge pointed out that Nicholl is a self-confessed paedophile, referencing a psychological report that described him as capable of presenting himself as likeable and personable, despite his underlying issues. The report also indicated that Nicholl is adept at manipulating perceptions, which complicates efforts to prevent future offenses.

In a related case from November 2017, Wes Nicholl, then known as Norman Nichol, was convicted of similar crimes. The court described him as a 'total monster' after he was found guilty of raping an 11-year-old girl. The jury also learned that Nicholl had filmed himself engaging in sexual acts with the girl, who is now 22 years old. The evidence included a collection of explicit images and videos, as well as childlike messages he sent to his victim.

It was revealed that Nicholl, residing on Haimyre Street in Leith, had three previous convictions for child sexual abuse and had participated in a sex offenders’ treatment program. The mother of one of his earlier victims expressed her relief at the guilty verdict, describing Nicholl as a 'total monster' and emphasizing her hope that he would be sentenced to life imprisonment. She recounted how her family had been devastated by his actions, which she characterized as opportunistic and malicious.

She also voiced concerns about the effectiveness of treatment programs, noting that despite his participation, Nicholl continued to reoffend. Her comments underscored her belief that he deserved a life sentence, given the extensive harm he had caused. The mother described Nicholl as a threatening individual and expressed her confidence that other victims might now come forward, motivated by the conviction.

The court heard that Nicholl’s victim, who gave evidence via video link, was only ten years old when she was subjected to his abuse. She recounted how she would visit his home after school, unaware of the full extent of his intentions at the time. She described how Nicholl groped her, undressed her, and eventually engaged in sexual acts while filming her with a video camera. The evidence also included a collection of naked photographs of her and messages laden with childlike language.

Advocate depute Peter Kearney characterized Nicholl as a 'calculating, controlling, and devious individual' who took deliberate steps to conceal his crimes from witnesses. The judge, Lord Uist, ordered a criminal justice social work report and reaffirmed the decision to add Nicholl’s name to the sex offenders’ register for a second time. Addressing him directly, Lord Uist remarked, 'You have three previous offences for lewd, indecent and libidinous practices involving a child. That makes the present conviction all the more disturbing. You may take it in the light of your record and conviction by the jury today that when you’re sentenced in January you’ll receive a significant sentence of imprisonment.'

Wes Nicholl is scheduled to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on January 10, 2018. His case continues to draw attention to the ongoing issues surrounding child sexual abuse and the justice system’s efforts to address such heinous crimes.