Man jailed after raping six-year-old girl in Cambeltown

A rapist who repeatedly preyed on a young girl has been jailed for six years.

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

A judge heard how MacPhee slapped his hand over the victim's mouth during one attack to stop her yelling for help.

The 70 year-old today returned to the High Court in Glasgow having earlier admitted to sexually assaulting and raping the girl.

The crimes occurred between 1977 and 1986. The victim was as young as six at the time.

Lord Burns told him: "You have pleaded guilty to the most serious sexual abuse which continued for nine years.

"The consequences (for the victim) have been immense."

A previous hearing was told the girl was "crying" when she was first attacked.

It was only earlier this year, MacPhee 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.

The court heard the victim was badly affected by what happened – including pouring boiling water on her wrists.

Robert Frazer, defending, said: "He is fully aware of the consequences of his actions.

"He wishes to apologise to (the victim) for all the pain and distress caused."

MacPhee was also placed on the sex offenders list indefinitely.