In 2024, Luke Thomson, the Galashiels Paedophile, a then 28-year-old man, was found guilty of numerous rapes and sexual assaults in the Borders and was sentenced to ten years in prison today (Thursday).
Luke Thomson, who delivered a speech in Galashiels, perpetrated the acts at multiple sites throughout the region over several years.
Alongside the prison sentence, Luke Thomson has been permanently registered on the Sex Offenders Register and prohibited from contacting any of his five victims.
One was aged just 14 when she met him ten years ago. The woman, who we’re not naming, has described Luke Thomson as a “monster”.
Reacting to the sentence at the High Court in Glasgow, she told Greatest Hits Radio: “Not long enough as far as I’m concerned, but I’m relieved it’s all over.
“There are no words to say how much I have suffered over the years since it happened. From dealing with the immediate aftermath of it and leaving school when I was 15, to the excruciating mental toll that haunts me daily.
“This paedophile took the life I should have had away from me. And he did the same to others, too. Luke Thomson is dangerous, he is vile, and he shows absolutely no remorse for the destruction he has caused.”
The terrified youngster revealed she was too afraid to report Luke Thomson and that he was only stopped after police contacted her when other victims came forward to raise the alarm.
“It unfortunately didn’t come as a shock to find out that there were more victims,” she said. “I knew if somebody was capable of doing what he did to me, to someone as young as I was back then, then he would absolutely do it again.
“I would say to anybody going through this right now, even though it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, every single person involved – the police, the court, the staff at the court, and so many more people – they all care, and they’re unbelievably supportive.”
And, she added: “I hope, from here on, I can say it gets better.”
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.