Locations
Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, EH19
Description
A 52-year-old predator who carried out a series of horror sex attacks on an eight-year-old child and two other young victims has been jailed for 24 months and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.
Mark Crosbie, a self-employed painter and decorator from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, preyed on his vulnerable victim at a home in Loanhead, Midlothian, between 2004 and 2006. He also targeted two further victims between 1994 and 2004.
He was arrested after one victim, now an adult, reported the abuse. Crosbie denied all allegations but was found guilty of four charges by a jury after a four-day trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier this year.
At sentencing on Friday, May 15, police intervened after members of Crosbie’s family shouted abuse at the victims’ supporters. Three women were forcibly removed, one shouting: “are you f***ing joking me? - we know the truth”.
Defence agent Kenneth Woodburn said his client maintained his innocence but “does respect the authority of the court and respects he was found guilty in this matter”. He asked for a community disposal of unpaid work and supervision.
Sheriff Graeme Watson rejected the plea, describing the charges as “very serious” and noting Crosbie showed “no remorse or insight into the offending”.
The sheriff told him: “I have heard first hand the effect your offending has had on these individuals, these victims. I consider that there is a high level of culpability. These were offences against children and occurred in secret.
“Again I consider the level of harm is high. This has had a profound impact on [one victim] and will have for the foreseeable future. This is offending against three victims over a number of years.
“I have concluded that no method of disposal other than custody is appropriate.”
Sheriff Watson also imposed three non-harassment orders banning Crosbie from contacting two victims for five years and the third for 10 years.
Crosbie was convicted of using lewd, indecent and libidinous practices towards a child aged 8-10 at Loanhead between 2004 and 2006; two similar charges against children aged 10 and 13 between 1994 and 2004; and disorderly conduct by making sexualised comments and staring at the breasts of an 18-year-old woman between 2001 and 2002.