'Dangerous and predatory individual' given prison sentence for sexually abusing girls as young as four in West Lothian

Alistair White sexually abused girls as young as four in West Lothian

A man responsible for the sexual abuse of girls as young as four in West Lothian has been jailed.

Alistair White, now aged 56, was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 25 October. He was found guilty of indecent assault and four charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour.

He was sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow to six years in prison and placed on the Sex Offender's Register for life.

Alistair White, now aged 56, was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh

White, of Broxburn, West Lothian, was 13-years-old when he sexually abused a six-year-old girl in the town in 1977.

Two more young girls, aged five and seven, were subject to abuse in the late 1970s and a fourth girl, aged four, was abused when he was 24-years-old.

Detectives from Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit began an investigation into White following a report from a woman that he had abused her when she was a child. White was subsequently arrested and charged in June 2018.

Detective Constable Gillian Taylor, of West Lothian’s Public Protection Unit, said: “Alistair White is a dangerous and predatory individual who committed extremely serious sexual offences against young girls over a long period of time.

White, of Broxburn, West Lothian, was 13-years-old when he sexually abused a six-year-old girl

“I would like to commend the victims for coming forward to report the abuse they suffered. I hope that the sentencing today will offer them some comfort as they seek to put their ordeals behind them

“We are committed to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice, regardless of the passage of time. It is never too late to report these kind of crimes and anyone with information about sexual offences or who has any concerns can contact Police Scotland on 101.”

An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “The women, who were abused by White as children, have shown great courage in speaking out and helping ensure that justice has been served. This case highlights that all survivors of sexual abuse will be listened to, no matter how much time has passed.

“Child sexual abuse can have devastating effects that last into adulthood and it is important that these women receive all the help and support they need to move on with their lives.

“NSPCC Scotland works to prevent abuse and neglect, and anyone worried about a child can contact our helpline.”