A rapist who began sexually abusing young girls when he was just 12-years-old has been jailed today for six years.
Ian Dunlop was found guilty of multiple historic sexual offence charges on May 28, 2024, following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
Dunlop, now 61, targeted the victims in the South Ayrshire area over a five-year period after being asked to babysit three children.
His offending took place between 1975 and 1979 and was reported to Police Scotland in 2021.
The girls were aged between five and eight when the abuse began.
Dunlop was convicted of three counts of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour, two counts of assault and rape and one count of assault and rape to injury.
At the High Court in Glasgow today (Wednesday), Dunlop was sentenced to six years imprisonment and his name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.
In addition, non-harassment orders banning Dunlop from contacting, or attempting to contact any of the victims, were also granted for an indefinite period.
Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes, said: “Ian Dunlop posed a danger to young girls over the course of several years and exploited his position of trust in the worst possible way.
“The trauma these victims suffered was at the forefront of our minds while working to secure this conviction.
“It is thanks to the bravery of those affected by Dunlop’s offending that he has been brought to justice. They should be commended for their bravery and courage.
“We would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to come forward – regardless of how much time has passed.
“You will be listened to and we will seek to secure justice using all the tools at our disposal.”
Detective Sergeant Carley Picken said: “Ian Dunlop is a predatory individual who targeted three young females to his own ends.
“Despite the passage of time these women came forward and spoke to us, leading to his conviction. I hope this sentencing offers them comfort as they move on with their lives.
“We continue to be committed to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice. Time is no barrier to our enquiries. I would urge anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime, regardless of when it happened, to contact us so we can conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”