Man sentenced to 14 years in jail for serious sexual assaults in Edinburgh and Dumfries

A man found guilty of a number of serious sexual offences against women and children has now been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Following an investigation by the East's Cybercrime Unit for possession of indecent images, a substantial investigation into Robert Hawkins took place by Edinburgh's Public Protection Unit and he was arrested for serious sexual offences against four victims in 2016.

At Edinburgh High Court on Wednesday 20th June 2018, Hawkins was found guilty of serious sexual assaults on a boy aged 6 to 9 years, a girl aged 6 to 7 years and two women, now aged in their fifties.

These attacks took place at various addresses in Edinburgh and an address in Dumfries between 1990 and 2002.

The now 58-year-old had pleaded guilty to being in possession of indecent images of children.

Detective Sergeant David Brady from Edinburgh's PPU said: “Robert Hawkins is a dangerous and predatory individual who committed a number of extremely serious sexual offences against women and children over a prolonged period of time.

"The evidence gathered against Hawkins during our investigation was overwhelming. However, his conviction was only possible thanks to the bravery of the victims in coming forward to report the abuse that they had suffered.

"I want to reassure the public that we continue to treat all reports of sexual crime with the utmost seriousness and will investigate offences robustly and professionally. We are committed to getting justice for victims, and providing them with all possible support.