WILLIAM WILKINSON FROM SELKIRK SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN GALASHIELS AND STOW

In a case that has shocked the Scottish Borders community, William Wilkinson, a 79-year-old resident of Selkirk, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of serious child abuse offenses committed in the towns of Galashiels and Stow. The crimes, which spanned from 1993 to 2000, involved the exploitation and assault of two young girls, with Wilkinson targeting vulnerable victims during this period.

Wilkinson, who resides on Ladyschaw Drive in Selkirk, faced multiple charges related to indecency and sexual assault. He initially denied allegations that he had indecently assaulted a girl aged between nine and 15, and that he had raped her when she was between nine and 11 years old. Additionally, he denied indecently assaulting a second girl when she was between 11 and 12 years old.

Following a detailed trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Wilkinson was found guilty on all counts. The court heard harrowing details of his misconduct, including how he confined the first victim inside a portable cabin and took her to secluded areas where he committed sexual acts. The victim was subjected to acts that caused her to become physically ill, highlighting the severity and brutality of Wilkinson’s offenses.

The crimes took place over a period of several years, with the court establishing that Wilkinson’s offending occurred in the towns of Galashiels and Stow. The evidence presented during the trial painted a disturbing picture of a man who exploited his position of trust and vulnerability of his young victims for his own gratification.

Wilkinson’s conviction and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice. The community and the victims’ families have expressed relief that justice has been served, although the scars of such trauma will undoubtedly remain for those affected.