Akbar Ali has been sentenced to six years’ imprisonment at the High Court in Livingston after being convicted of a series of historical sexual assaults, including the attempted rape of two children in Edinburgh.
The offences took place over a two-year period between 1996 and 1998. The court heard that Ali targeted two young children, subjecting them to repeated sexual violence and attempted rape that caused severe, enduring trauma extending well into their adult lives.
Under UK and Scots law, all victims of sexual offences are protected by lifelong statutory anonymity.
Following an investigation conducted by Police Scotland, Ali was formally indicted on sexual offence charges and stood trial at the High Court in Livingston. On Friday 7 August 2026, the jury returned guilty verdicts on the charges.
Ali returned to the High Court in Livingston for sentencing on Wednesday 30 September 2026. The presiding judge imposed an immediate determinate custodial sentence of six years. Alongside the prison sentence, Ali was placed on the Sex Offenders Register under statutory notification requirements.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Steph Garnett said: “Ali subjected child victims to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives. I would like to acknowledge their incredible strength in coming forward, and throughout the investigation and court process. Sexual crime of any kind has no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.”
Image – Anonymous Artist Impression
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