Elgin pensioner sentenced to 11 years in jail for rape

An 82-year-old Elgin man has been jailed for 11 years for sexually assaulting two young girls between 1981 and 1993.

William Farmer was convicted of rape and three charges of sexual assault by a jury at Aberdeen High Court last month and was sentenced today at Edinburgh High Court.

The 11 years imprisonment are backdated to May 16.

The NSPCC, the leading charity in the fight to end child abuse, said this sentencing can give a relief to survivors. A spokesperson said: "Farmer’s custodial sentence shows survivors can achieve justice no matter how long ago the crimes took place.

"Sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim and the survivors have shown enormous bravery in speaking out about what happened to them and we hope they now receive the support they need.

"NSPCC Scotland works in schools and in the community to prevent abuse and anyone worried about a child can contact our helpline to report concerns."

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline at any time, 24/7, on 0800 1111.