In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that William Farmer, then 82, of Chanonry Road, Elgin, Moray, was jailed for 11 years for the repeated sexual abuse and rape of two young girls. On appearing at the High Court in Edinburgh for sentencing, Farmer was described as likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars. The court reported that the historical offences took place at various addresses in Moray between December 1981 and April 1993.
The investigation established that Farmer preyed on his first victim between December 1981 and December 1989, repeatedly raping her. Police Scotland reported that the second victim was targeted and sexually abused on various occasions between April 1984 and April 1993. The prosecution reported that the pensioner had spent his trial denying any wrongdoing, but was ultimately convicted of one charge of rape and three charges of sexual assault.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the victims only managed to bring Farmer to justice after plucking up the courage to speak with specialist officers trained in investigating sexual assault. The High Court in Aberdeen, where the trial was held, heard evidence of the sustained and predatory nature of the abuse. The prosecution reported that the defendant’s refusal to admit guilt or show remorse was a significant factor in the judicial determination of the custodial term.
Lord Kinclaven noted that a severe sentence was the only option given the seriousness of the offences. For his actions in Elgin, Moray, Farmer was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The judge noted that the length of the sentence was intended to reflect the “seriousness of the offence” and the long-term impact on the survivors who had lived with the trauma for decades.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Scotland, William Farmer was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 11 years in prison.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Convicted at the High Court in Aberdeen and sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh.
- Criminal Record: Convicted of rape and multiple counts of sexual assault.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Farmer is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Police Scotland and the prison estate. Due to the “serial and historical” nature of the rapes in Elgin, Moray, his management is subject to the highest level of oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Farmer must comply with notification requirements regarding his identity and residence for the remainder of his life. Authorities state that his history of preying on children at various domestic addresses necessitates permanent restrictions on his proximity to minors. Any breach of his registration conditions or his licence terms, should he be released in his 90s, will result in immediate arrest and a return to the High Court.
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