Campbeltown man jailed for abusing young girl for nine years

A man who repeatedly preyed on a young girl is behind bars.

James MacPhee abused the traumatised child for nine years in Campbeltown, Argyll.

A judge heard how MacPhee first pounced on the victim when she was six.

The attacks occurred between 1977 and 1986 – but it was only earlier this year he was brought to justice after confessing to police he abused the child.

MacPhee now faces a lengthy jail term after he today/yesterday admitted to sexually assaulting and raping the girl.

He was remanded in custody at the High Court in Glasgow pending sentencing next month.

The hearing was told the girl ended up “crying” when she was first attacked.

In a later incident, MacPhee slapped his hand over her mouth to stop her shouting for help.

The court heard that it was in 2018 the sex attacker made a “disclosure” to a local social work department that he had abused the girl.

The victim was traced by police and she bravely recalled how she suffered.

MacPhee was held by officers and later stated the attacks on the girl ended when she was 15.

He claimed he had not wanted to “hurt” her.

Prosecutor Shanti Maguire said the victim was badly affected by what happened – including pouring boiling water on her wrists.

Lord Burns deferred sentencing for reports.