Judge speaks of affect on victims as lorry driver admits abusing boys

A lorry driver has admitted abusing four young boys.

David Philips preyed on his terrified victims, who were left traumatised.

The attacks occurred between 1974 and 1981 when Philips lived in Stranraer, Wigtownshire.

The married 57-year-old was caught in 2016.

He has been remanded in custody pending sentence after he admitted to four charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour.

The boys were aged between five and 12 when the crimes happened.

The abuse occurred at a number of locations in Stranraer, including on a boat.

One victim – who said he was attacked more than 50 times – was told he would be put into care if he revealed what happened to anyone.

A police investigation into Philips was initially sparked in 2012.

One of the victims in this case became aware of the inquiry four years later. He went to police before the other three were also traced.

Prosecutor David Taylor told the court how the victims had been affected.

One stated that he went “off the rails”, while a second blamed the abuse for his later personal issues. A third victimhas suffered from depression and flashbacks, and is seeing a psychiatrist.

The final victim admitted that what happened left him feeling “distant” to people close to him.

Lord Boyd remanded Philips in custody as sentencing was adjourned until 17 April in Edinburgh.