Rapist jailed for ‘despicable’ child abuse over 20 years

A man who abused children for more than twenty years has been jailed for fifteen years.

James Pollard targeted five victims – all under the age of 16 – in various locations in the north of Scotland between 1979 and 2022.

The 71-year-old was found guilty of nine charges on September 4 following a trial at the High Court in Inverness.

Pollard’s abuse of one victim began when she was just two years old.

He was convicted of assaulting and sexually abusing the first victim.

Pollard, from Thurso, indecently assaulted a second child, indecently communicated with a third and sexually assaulted a fourth.

A fifth young victim was physically abused and raped.

He was jailed for 15 years and his name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Non-harassment orders, banning Pollard from contacting or attempting to contact four of the victims, were issued indefinitely.

Scottish High Court Sex Crimes Prosecutor Katrina Parkes said: “James Pollard poses a significant danger to children and young girls with his offending, which took place over a number of years.

“It is thanks to the courage of these victims that this prosecution and conviction was made possible.

“Child sexual abuse has no place in Scotland and Pollard will now face the consequences of his predatory behaviour.

“I would urge anyone who has experienced similar offenses to report it, regardless of how long ago the offenses occurred.

“You will be heard and supported as we use all available resources to seek justice.”

Detective Inspector Reuben Lindsay of Police Scotland, from the Child Protection Unit, added: “Pollard carried out a sustained campaign of sexual abuse against young women over a significant period of time.

“His actions were despicable and he must now face the consequences.

“I would like to commend the strength of the women involved in reporting his offenses and throughout the legal process.

“I hope his conviction and sentence will bring them some form of justice as they move on with their lives.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling sexual crimes regardless of when they occurred, and I would urge anyone who has been a victim to come forward and report them to us.

“We will investigate it fully and we have specialist teams of officers and partner agencies who will support you throughout the process.”