Malcolm Lamont jailed for seven years for raping girl and sexually assaulting another in Motherwell

Malcolm Lamont's campaign of abuse took place took place in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, between 2008 and 2015.

Jenness Mitchell

Scotland reporter @Jenster13

Tuesday 21 May 2024 17:23, UK

A "dangerous" paedophile who raped a girl and sexually assaulted another during a seven-year campaign of abuse has been jailed.

Malcolm Lamont, 34, targeted his victims when they were aged between two and 12.

He exposed the youngsters to pornography and went on to sexually abuse them, including raping the older girl.

Judge Fiona Tait stated that the sex attacks were of "considerable gravity" and will have had a "substantial impact" on the victims.

Lamont's abuse took place in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, between 2008 and 2015.

Lamont, formerly of Denny in Falkirk, was found guilty of six charges following a trial at the High Court in Livingston in March.

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, he was sentenced to seven years in jail and was placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.

Judge Tait stated: "Because of the gravity of the crimes, a custodial sentence is the only appropriate disposal in your case."

Lamont 'vulnerable'

Defence counsel Iain Smith said his client continued to deny committing the offences and had never been to prison until he was remanded in custody at the end of his trial.

He said Lamont reported that he had a difficult family background and was assessed as being "vulnerable".

It was revealed that Lamont had no previous convictions for sexual offending but had in the past been fined for two assaults on a child.

The judge acknowledged Lamont's "relative youth" at the outset of his sexual offending, as well as his "difficult upbringing and health difficulties".

But she added: "Nonetheless, these sexual offences are of considerable gravity.

"They will have had a substantial impact upon the complainers. The complainers should be commended for their courage in giving evidence."

Courage of victims

Following the court case, Katrina Parkes, Scotland's procurator fiscal for high court sexual offences, also commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward.

Ms Parkes added: "Their courage and strength have resulted in this conviction and sentence.

"Malcolm Lamont is a dangerous predator who exploited his position of trust in the worst possible way.

"He will now rightfully have to face the consequences of his horrific crimes towards these vulnerable children."

Malcolm Lamont jailed for seven years for raping girl and sexually assaulting another in Motherwell

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