Man jailed for sexually abusing teenager in Plymouth
A 56-year-old man has been jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a teenage girl.
Craig McKay, from the Aberdeen area in Scotland, pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to a total of 14 charges including engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and taking indecent images of a child.
McKay was remanded after his guilty pleas and appeared at Exeter Crown Court for sentence on Friday 21 June.
McKay was given a 10 year sentence by Judge David Evans, consisting of nine years custodial and a further year on extended licence. McKay was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order was put in place preventing McKay from contacting the victim.
McKay met the victim when she was 14-years-old on Tumblr, and over a period of time he groomed her, making her believe he loved her and promising he’d look after her.
Money was sent to the victim as well as extravagant gifts. During this period, whilst the victim was still 15-years-old, McKay travelled down to Plymouth on more than one occasion where he committed sexual offences against the victim in his car.
The abuse continued over a number of years until the victim ended all contact with the suspect after realising and understanding that she was a victim of sexual abuse.
Once contact had ended McKay would continue to send the victim messages, letters and gifts and even travelled down to Plymouth in an attempt to see her. At this point the police were contacted and a joint investigation with Police Scotland began.
Following the sentencing, Devon and Cornwall Police Inspector Christopher Kinski said: “I want to praise the victim in this case for showing the strength and bravery to come forward and disclose the abuse she had suffered.
“McKay is a calculated predator who preyed on the victim’s age to fulfil his sexual desires on a child. I have no doubt that if it wasn’t for the victim having the strength to tell us her story, McKay would have offended again on many more children.
“This was a joint police operation with both Devon and Cornwall Police and Police Scotland who worked together to execute a warrant on McKay’s address in Scotland, which resulted in his arrest.
“After searches were carried out, interviews completed and digital evidence was collated, the officer in charge of the case presented the case to the CPS, resulting in McKay being charged with 14 offences.
“Due to the diligent work off all officers involved, the case was so strong McKay plead guilty to these offences and was sentenced a 10 year extended sentence from Judge David Evans.
“I have no doubt the abuse will be with the victim forever, however we hope that this sentence given out today can help provide some sense of closure and can move on with her life.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse not to suffer in silence and if you are ready to come forward, we are here to listen and investigate your case. As this case shows, you will be believed and supported and together we will hold offenders to account for their crimes.
“If you require help or assistance relating to sexual abuse, please look at the below list of helplines.”
Police Scotland Detective Inspector Ryan Morris said: “We are committed to working with our policing colleagues and partner agencies to ensure that sexual offenders are brought to justice.
“Our thoughts remain with his victim as McKay faces the consequences of his despicable actions.“
• National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
• Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626
• Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212
• Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900
• Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174
In an emergency, always call 999 and in a non-emergency please visit www.dc.police.uk/contact.
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