Man Jailed For Rape And Abuse Over 19 Years

A Renfrewshire man who raped a 14-year-old girl and abused five other girls over a 19-year period has been jailed for eight years. 63 year old George Anderson from Johnstone, winked at members of his family as he was led away to begin his sentence. At the High Court in Glasgow Judge Johanna Johnston QC told Anderson: "These crimes were committed on young girls and young women. "You exploited your position as a trusted adult. Some of these victims were vulnerable. "Your behaviour escalated until you raped a young girl. This has had a lasting and devastating effect on this young girl. You then you went on to attempt to rape a young girl. Again this has a lasting effect. Your criminal conduct has had a devastating effect on your victims." Judge Johnston added: "Your victims showed great bravery in speaking of what happened to them." She ordered Anderson to be placed on the sex offenders' register. Anderson, who had a fruit and veg shop in Johnstone, committed the offences between May 1973 and August 1992 at various addresses in Johnstone and Howwood. He raped one of his victims in the back of the converted ambulance from which he sold fruit and vegetables and he sexually abused a woman with intent to rape. His other victims were subjected to inappropriate groping by Anderson. During his trial at the High Court in Glasgow Anderson claimed all the victims were lying and making up stories against him. The court heard that Anderson was finally brought to justice after his rape victim and her father confronted him at home. She accused him of raping her and was told by Anderson: "I've been expecting this." But despite saying that Anderson in evidence denied raping her. He claimed she was a willing partner and had consented to sex. Advocate depute Jim Keegan QC, prosecuting said: "Are you so irresistible that a young girl would willingly engage in sexual intercourse with you," and Anderson replied: Yes." Anderson also wrote a letter of apology to a girl he abused in 1973 where she was 12 saying "I am so sorry for my behaviour all those years ago. I just hope you can find ways to forgive me." He admitted sending the letter but claimed it had nothing to do with sexually abusing the girl. Another victim whom, Anderson told: "I'm going to have you" described him as a "sleazy, dirty old man," Defence counsel Kevin McCallum told the court that Anderson still denies committing any of the offences. He added: "He has health problems including diabetes and a heart condition." "He has suffered tragedy in his life his daughter died in a road traffic accident on boxing Day 1995 and his son was murdered in 2004."