WILLIAM DEMPSTER FROM DALBEATTIE SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS EIGHT MONTHS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL AND ATTEMPTED JUSTICE PERVERSION

In October 2015, William Dempster, a 46-year-old resident of High Street in Dalbeattie, was sentenced to a total of three years and eight months in prison after being convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The court also mandated that Dempster be registered on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, a measure described by Sheriff Brian Mohan as being reserved for the most severe cases, indicating the gravity of the crimes committed.

Following a comprehensive three-day trial at Dumfries Sheriff Court, a jury found Dempster guilty of multiple charges. The court established that the offenses occurred over a period stretching from August 2013 to January of the following year. The primary conviction involved Dempster sexually assaulting a schoolgirl, an act that has profoundly impacted the victim and raised significant concerns about child safety in the community.

In addition to the assault, Dempster was convicted of attempting to obstruct justice by disposing of a mobile phone at a bridge in Dalbeattie. The police had requested the phone for forensic analysis, suspecting it contained evidence related to the case. Dempster’s actions to hide or destroy potential evidence were viewed as an attempt to hinder the investigation and were taken very seriously by the court.

Throughout the proceedings, Dempster’s legal representative, solicitor David Finnie, maintained that his client was innocent of the charges. Finnie highlighted that Dempster was supported by a close-knit family and submitted letters of support to the court, emphasizing his character and the community’s regard for him. Despite these efforts, Finnie acknowledged that the evidence against Dempster was compelling enough to warrant a custodial sentence but requested that the sentence be as lenient as possible.

However, Sheriff Mohan emphasized that the jury’s verdict confirmed Dempster’s guilt in exploiting a young girl and in attempting to destroy evidence. The sheriff underscored that such actions left no alternative but to impose a prison sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes and the need for justice.

Following the sentencing, the charity organization Children 1st expressed their support for the verdict. Mary Glasgow, the director of children and family services at Children 1st, stated, “It’s always distressing to hear that a child or young person has been abused. This case illustrates how important it is to recognize how having a strong and trusting relationship with a young person allows them to speak up when abuse happens so it can be stopped.”

Glasgow also reminded the public of available support services, mentioning the helpline ParentLine Scotland, which can be reached at 08000 28 22 33, for anyone with concerns about a child's safety or well-being. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to protect vulnerable children and ensure that justice is served for victims of abuse in Dalbeattie and beyond.