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Sexual abuse

Fife Councillor Found Guilty of Sexual Offences Against Teenage Girl

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A 43-year-old Fife councillor, David Graham, has been convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a teenage girl over a seven-month period in 2023. The offences took place between 11 February and 21 August 2023, and involved the councillor having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl on multiple occasions. Graham, who was suspended from the Labour Party two years ago, was found guilty by a majority of one charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009. He is due to be sentenced on 19 August.

Key Takeaways:

  • David Graham, a 43-year-old Fife councillor, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl over a seven-month period in 2023.
  • The offences took place between 11 February and 21 August 2023, and involved Graham having sexual contact with the girl on multiple occasions, including at his home in Methilhill and in his car.
  • Graham was found guilty by a majority of one charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, and has been put on the sex offenders register.
  • The Labour Party has taken action to exclude Graham from membership following his conviction, with a spokesperson stating that "the party is taking immediate action to exclude David Graham from membership of the Labour Party".
  • Detective Inspector Graham Watson of Police Scotland stated that Graham is a "manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim".
  • The trial heard evidence of CCTV footage showing Graham kissing the girl outside a building in Kirkcaldy town centre, and testimony from the girl herself about the nature of the offences.
  • Graham was acquitted of a second allegation of communicating indecently with the girl by sending sexual messages.

Statistics:

  • The offences took place over a period of nearly 6 months (from 11 February to 21 August 2023).
  • The girl was 15 years old at the time of the offences, and Graham was 25 years her senior.
  • 7 charges were brought against Graham under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009, of which 6 were found guilty.
  • Graham is due to be sentenced on 19 August.

Sources:

  • The Courier newspaper
  • Police Scotland
  • Fife Council
  • Labour Party (including the spokesperson's statement)
  • Sex Crimes Unit of Police Scotland

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