Abuser locked up to await sentence

A Fife pensioner who sexually abused four young girls during a “horrendous course of conduct” spanning more than 30 years, is finally behind bars.

The children were targeted by paedophile Robert Pearson, 67, of Bennochy Gardens, Kirkcaldy.

Some of the offences took place in swimming pools in Dundee and Coatbridge, as well as on a beach in Elie.

Pearson, appeared in the dock of Dunfermline Sheriff Court and admitted a string of sex offences.

On various occasions between September 11 1984 and September 10 1985, at addresses in Kirkcaldy, Burntisland and elsewhere, he used lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour towards a girl, then aged 13, made sexual comments to her and touched her body over and under her clothing.

On an occasion between November 1988 and November 1989, he used lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour towards another girl, then aged 11, by repeatedly kissing her on the mouth and making her engage in sexual acts.

On various occasions between December 1 2010 and August 3 2017, at locations in Dundee, Coatbridge and Elie, he sexually assaulted a third girl, aged just six when the abuse began.

A fourth girl, aged between four and 10, was assaulted on various occasions between January 1 2012 and August 13 2017.

Sheriff Charles MacNair called for reports and refused bail. Pearson was put on the sex offenders’ register.

He will be sentenced on January 15.