A much-loved Glenrothes Paedophile sex offender from Fife, James Haggerty, snatched a 13-year-old in his residence and concealed her with a duvet, rendering her “frozen with fear.”
James Haggerty, 26, an admirer of Jimmy Savile, absconded when others utilising a social media application identified the child’s whereabouts and arrived at the residence in Glenrothes.
The following day, law enforcement located James Haggerty at a different residence in the town, where he issued suicidal threats and hurled knives from a window.
Firearms police, a canine handler, paramedics, and the fire service were dispatched to the two-hour standoff.
At Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Sheriff Steven Borthwick informed James Haggerty of the potential for incarceration and requested background studies to assist in determining a possible prolonged sentence.
James Haggerty appeared in court via video link from Perth Prison to plead guilty to the abduction and assault of a 13-year-old girl, violating a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), and constituting a breach of the peace.
The offence occurred on March 6 and 7 of this year.
James Haggerty has been characterised as a high-risk sex offender who was apprehended with a missing child in his residence on New Year’s Day this year.
Prosecutor Sarah Smith informed the court that Haggerty was placed on a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on December 23, 2020.
The order’s stipulations forbid interaction with those under 16, except for incidental or unavoidable contact.
He had already violated the conditions of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order, including associating with Dundee paedophile Adam Fraser, and had received prison sentences.
On March 6 of this year, a 13-year-old girl and her 16-year-old companion visited James Haggerty’s residence in Glenrothes.
The older adolescent briefly conversed with them before departing for a shop, leaving her companion alone with Haggerty.
The individual closed and secured the door, causing discomfort for the 13-year-old.
The girl persistently requested to be released, and there was a “struggle” between them, according to the prosecutor.
The girl extended her hand towards the door key, and James Haggerty seized her.
She shoved him, and he responded by thrusting her against a wall.
He seized her garments, prompting her to elbow him and demand that he desist. However, he forcefully shoved her to the ground and into the living room area.
The prosecutor stated, “As she attempted to rise, he forcefully shoved her down once more.” She sustained injuries to her lower back and knee due to a fall.
A “disturbance” emanated from the apartment below, prompting James Haggerty to force the girl onto a mattress on the living room floor and “hover” over her.
He warned her: “If you speak, move, or do anything, observe the consequences.”
The prosecutor continued: “He subsequently placed the duvet cover over her, entirely concealing her.”
The girl had paralysis due to fright.
James Haggerty attended Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.
At this time, the girl’s cousin was informed that her relative had not returned home the prior evening, and she was able to ascertain her location via a social networking application.
She observed that the girl was near James Haggerty’s address and was cognisant of his background.
The relative and another individual arrived at his residence and knocked loudly while calling out, but received no response.
A neighbour notified the police.
The entry was forced, and she discovered the girl beneath the covers, which she then removed, while James Haggerty lay on the floor before escaping.
That evening, James Haggerty informed the police that he was near “Leslie Bridge” in Glenrothes and declared that he possessed a knife and would self-inflict harm if approached.
He was located at 1:30 PM on March 7, when law enforcement got intelligence indicating his whereabouts at a residence in The Henge, Glenrothes.
He emerged at a window and declared he would not exit, threatening to confront any authorities attempting to enter.
James Haggerty opened further windows and commenced hurling assorted household goods at the officers.
He commenced striking windows with his fists and head, while hurling objects at the glass.
James Haggerty thereafter disrobed his upper body and brandished kitchen knives at the cops outside, while vociferously yelling, cursing, and making threats of violence against them.
He threatened self-harm, and when weapons officers arrived, he yelled at them: “You will have to shoot me to remove me from the house.”
The prosecutor stated: “He subsequently hurled knives from the windows.” He subsequently grasped a claw hammer and commenced smashing the shattered glass.
The court was informed that the unpredictable and aggressive conduct persisted for approximately two hours before he exited via a window to capitulate.
The emergency services deployed during the events comprised two fire engines staffed by twelve firefighters, two ambulance teams, eight armed response officers, one dog handler, and sixteen police officers responding to the incident.
The court was informed that the 13-year-old girl underwent a forensic medical test, revealing bruises on her body, elbow, and knee.
Sheriff Borthwick postponed sentencing until November 4, and James Haggerty was detained.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the people highlighted on this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.