Man, 67, jailed for rapes and sexual assaults in Orkney

A 67-year-old man from Orkney has been jailed for 10 years for serious abuse offences at the High Court in Edinburgh today.

Following a police investigation, Edwin Cuschieri was found guilty of six charges, including rapes, sexual assaults and indecent assaults.

His offending took place against two women and a number of children in the Orkney area between 1988 and 2016.

Edwin Cuschieri. Picture: Police Scotland

He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Chief Inspector Donald Macdonald said: "Cuschieri is a serial abuser whose offending behaviour spans 28 years and will no doubt have left his victims deeply affected for the rest of their lives. Cuschieri must now face the consequences for his horrific behaviour.

"I would like to thank the victims for having the strength to come forward and report the abuse they endured, and for the courage they have shown throughout the investigation. The bravery to tell their story has resulted in Cuschieri being convicted.

"I hope today's outcome gives them some sort of closure and sends a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated and offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

"Police Scotland is committed to tackling abuse and no one should ever feel they are alone or in a position of fear. We have specially trained officers who are there to target domestic abusers and support victims.

"I would encourage anyone to report abuse in any form, as all reports will be thoroughly investigated. We will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure victims of abuse are supported and to ensure their safety and wellbeing."

An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “After sexually abusing women and children over the past three decades, Cuschieri has finally faced justice. His victims, who have lived with the impact of his abuse for years, found the strength to come forward but were then forced to endure a trial in which Cuschieri refused to take responsibility and denied his offending.

“Child sexual abuse can have a profound impact on a person’s life, which lasts into adulthood. It is vital that all the victims in this case receive support and treatment to help them heal and move on from the trauma Cuschieri inflicted upon them.

“Anyone who has experienced abuse in childhood or is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.”

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