Ex football coach jailed for raping young girl in Highland

A former Inverness football coach who raped a young girl in his car has been jailed for five years.

Lee Murray was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting the child in his vehicle on various occasions following a trial at the High Court in Inverness on July 30th.

The 53-year-old also sent indecent images of himself and inappropriate messages while proposing to meet up with her.

While on bail, the former Thistle Girls FC head coach indecently exposed himself in a video call and sent sexual messages to an adult female, posing as a 14-year-old girl.

The offending took place between January 2021 and October 2022.

Today at the High Court in Edinburgh, Murray was given a sentence of five years with an extended period of two years and a non-harassment order banning him from contacting or attempting to contact his victim for three years.

He's also been placed on sex offenders register indefinitely.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes says Murray will now "face the consequences of his actions."

She said: “Lee Murray held a position of trust within the local community while committing this horrific sexual offending.

“He poses a danger to children and will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“COPFS prosecutors are committed to securing justice in child sexual abuse cases.

“I would urge anyone aware of or affected by similar crime to report it and seek support.”

Detective Inspector Craig Thomson said: “Lee Murray was in a position of trust in the community when he targeted his young victim and subjected her to horrific sexual abuse.

“I hope this outcome sends a clear message to perpetrators who prey on and abuse children that we will thoroughly investigate all reports and ensure you face justice.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of this type of crime, or who has any concerns, to please contact Police Scotland on 101.