A repeat sex offender who subjected two girls to decades of abuse has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Derek Lamond, 59, from Dunfermline, Fife, was found guilty of a series of sexual offences against two victims, spanning over two decades from 1995 to 2017. His predatory behaviour took place at various locations in Fife and inside cars.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Renucci condemned Lamond’s “appalling and predatory behaviour,” describing him as a “significant” risk to others. The court heard that Lamond molested the two girls, with one victim enduring rape, while the second was subjected to an attempted rape.
Despite denying the charges and claiming the victims fabricated their accounts for financial gain, a jury found Lamond guilty of all 10 offences, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and indecent conduct. Nine of the crimes were unanimously decided, with the jury returning a majority verdict on the final charge.
Passing sentence, Lord Renucci emphasized the lasting harm caused to the victims, stating, “The harm you have caused to the complainers has continued to affect them well into adulthood.” He noted that this was Lamond’s third conviction for sexual offences, further justifying a lengthy custodial sentence. Upon release, Lamond will be supervised for three years, and he has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Lamond began abusing his first victim when she was just four years old, repeatedly molesting her over the years and providing her with alcohol and cigarettes. The abuse culminated in a rape when the girl was between seven and 10 years old. His second victim, who he started targeting at the age of seven, was also given drink and cigarettes and subjected to years of sexual abuse, including an attempted rape.
During police interviews, Lamond denied any wrongdoing, but the evidence presented in court painted a clear picture of years of predatory actions.
Defence advocate John Brannigan attempted to mitigate the sentencing by explaining that Lamond cared for an elderly aunt and “cares less about himself than about his own family,” but Judge Renucci ruled that there was “no alternative” to a lengthy prison sentence due to the gravity of his crimes.
Det Con Emma Moyes from Police Scotland thanked the victims for their bravery, stating, “Derek Lamond will now face the consequences of his appalling and predatory behaviour. We thank the victims in this case for coming forward and their determination throughout the investigation.
Lamond’s conviction marks the end of a long road for his victims, whose courage in coming forward has been praised by both the authorities and the court.
