Paedophile jailed for five years after preying on young girls

A man who preyed on young girls '“ including one who went on to write a book about the horrific childhood abuse she suffered '“ has been jailed for five years.
William King. Picture: Ciaran DonnellyWilliam King. Picture: Ciaran Donnelly
William King. Picture: Ciaran Donnelly

William King, 52, abused a 12-year-old girl and another underage child over many years two decades ago.

A judge told King at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday: “I have determined there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”

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Lady Wolffe said she had to mark “society’s abhorrence” at such abuse towards girls who were vulnerable because of their age. The father-of-two had denied the offences but was convicted of three sex charges, although he was acquitted of a further charge of rape on a not proven verdict.

One of the victims, Dana Fowley, from the Capital, was present at the sentencing. Following King’s trial in May, she said: “I am delighted. I have been waiting 19 years for this.”

She said she had first reported the offending to police in 1997 and during evidence in court detailed some of the other abuse she had suffered as a child at the hands of King’s late father, Billy senior, his grandparents, her mother and other accomplices.

Ms Fowley, 36, told jurors how her mother was jailed for her part in the abuse along with others. A book on her experiences called How Could She? was later published.

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She said King junior had come into her life because of his father and was aware of her age. She said she was aged about 12 and-a-half when she “chummed” him to his house in Granton and he started kissing her.

She told the court: “I think by the time I got to 12 nothing shocked me in life.” She said King went on to have intercourse with her.

Sales representative King, of Diamond Grove, Dunfermline, was convicted of sexually abusing her between August 1992 and June 1995 at houses in Edinburgh and Inverkeithing.

Commenting on the sentencing, a spokesman for NSPCC Scotland said: “We welcome the sentence. Abuse ruins childhoods and it’s vital adults and children who have been affected by abuse get the support they need rather than suffer in silence, as sadly so many do.

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“As a result of the enormous bravery of these women in speaking out, King is now facing the consequences of his crimes. Child abuse allegations always need to be pursued. It is crucial that victims of abuse, however long after the crimes against them, have the confidence to speak out knowing that their allegations will be fully investigated.”