East Lothian predator jailed for raping pregnant woman and child in historic abuse case
Last updated 16th Sep 2025
A man who raped a pregnant woman and a child during a campaign of sexual abuse which began more than fifty years ago has been jailed for eleven years.
Brian Thomson, 67, was found guilty of three charges at the High Court in Edinburgh following a trial in August.
The court heard Thomson began sexually offending in 1970, when he was just twelve years old, and went on to repeatedly assault and rape a young girl in East Lothian over seven years.
He was also convicted of sexually abusing a woman throughout the 1980s and 90s, including raping her at a hospital in Edinburgh.
On Tuesday, Thomson was sentenced at the same court and given 11 years in custody. His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and he has been handed indefinite non-harassment orders.
Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Brian Thomson has now been held accountable and will face the consequences of his despicable behaviour, which took place several decades ago. Despite this, we were able to build a strong case which demonstrated his guilt and the lasting emotional trauma he caused his victims. I would like to thank them for reporting these devastating crimes. This prosecution would not have been possible without them.
“This conviction should send a clear message to those who seek to sexually abuse others. COPFS will continue to pursue justice and prosecute sexual offenders – regardless of when the offending took place. To anyone affected by similar crime: you are not alone. Please consider reporting your experience to the police when you feel ready and able. You will be listened to and supported by our trauma-informed staff as we seek to use all the tools available to us to prosecute those responsible.”