THE LOSSIEMOUTH MAN who was convicted of historical sex abuse in July at a special sitting of the High Court in Elgin has been jailed for seven years.
Stanley Sandison, 68, had delayed justice when his legal team said he was not fit enough to travel to stand trial in Glasgow or Aberdeen.
That resulted in the unusual step of the Sheriff Court in Elgin being used where the 24-stone morbidly obese pensioner was ferried to court in a specially adapted car. Sandison was found guilty of raping two girls and sexually assaulting three others, offences that took place between 1964 and 1976.
Appearing from custody for sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday, Sandison was told by Lord Turnbull that he had been found guilty of “sexual predatory conduct against vulnerable young girls”.
Sentencing Sandison to seven years imprisonment, Lord Turnbull said he had been “unimpressed” by comments made in his defence and had never shown any empathy towards his victims.
Investigating the case had been Detective Constable Andy Standfast, who commented: “From the outset this was a difficult and highly emotive case and praise has to be given to those who came forward to speak out against Stanley Sandison.
“This man took advantage of his victims from an early age and in the most appalling way.
“These individuals then had to live with the consequences of his actions for many years. I would like to thank them for their courage and cooperation.
“I sincerely hope that they can now move on with their lives as best as they can in the knowledge and comfort that Sandison has received a significant custodial sentence.”