July 2013
Child rapist organised fake fancy dress contests to lure victims
A man who organised fake fancy dress competitions to lure under-aged girls into bed has been found guilty of a catalogue of offences stretching back 30 years.
Some of Andrew Mouat’s victims were as young as three, the High Court in Edinburgh was told.
Mouat, 41, was found guilty on ten charges of indecency, indecent assault and rape in Castle Douglas, Dumfriesshire, including the rape of a girl aged between eight and ten.
The rape victim, who gave evidence by CCTV link, said Mouat forced himself on her on an occasion between September 2005 and July 2007. He had previously tried to force her to perform a sex act on him when she was six years old.
Three other women and a boy gave evidence against Mouat, who began abusing girls when he was 12 years old.
He took advantage of his victims while their parents were out at work, instructing them not to tell anyone.
The charges alleged that he would lick and touch the feet of the youngsters. Advocate-depute Alan Mackay, prosecuting, told the jury it was “done for some sexual gratification”.
Mr Mackay said some of his offences happened after he organised bogus fancy dress competitions. “He would offer the winner the somewhat dubious prize of going to bed with him,” the prosecutor said.
Mouat, of Donald Court, Castle Douglas, denied the charges against him and claimed his accusers were lying.
Judge Lord Burns remanded him in custody after the jury found him guilty and ordered background reports before passing sentence.
