In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Ryan Anderson, then 29, formerly of Bathgate, West Lothian, was serving an 11-year prison sentence at HMP Barlinnie following a “horrific” campaign of sexual abuse against an eight-year-old girl. Ryan Anderson was convicted in April 2018 at the High Court in Glasgow for multiple sex attacks committed over two years.
The court heard that Ryan Anderson targeted the schoolgirl between February 2015 and February 2017, with the abuse occurring both in the Bathgate area and at a holiday park in Ayr. A senior detective involved in the case described Ryan Anderson as a “brute” who displayed absolutely no remorse for the devastating impact his actions had on the young victim. The abuse only ceased after the brave youngster came forward to report the crimes, leading to a major police investigation and his subsequent arrest in March 2017.
While incarcerated, Ryan Anderson sparked further outrage by writing a series of “warped” letters to the Daily Record newspaper. In these letters, he attempted to portray himself as “innocent” despite being found guilty by a jury and pleaded for pen pals to help him “pass the time.” He complained about the “rubbish” quality of the prison food, noting his gluten-free diet and the limited daily budget for inmate meals, while also describing his daily routine of watching TV, drinking coffee, and maintaining his fitness.
Ryan Anderson’s letters, which included his prison identification number, also suggested that he wanted to share his “story” to illustrate the adverse effects of prison on inmates and their families. However, the sentencing judge and law enforcement have remained focused on the “enormous” harm he caused to a vulnerable child. Ryan Anderson remains a high-risk offender and will be subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements upon his eventual release.
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