Ex-soldier jailed for abusing young girls

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that George Paterson, 50, could have been as young as 13 when he began preying on the children at houses in West Lothian.

His solicitor advocate Raymond McMenamin said Paterson had "no significant recollection of the events" but accepted he was responsible.

A judge pointed out that Paterson had been babysitting for his first victim when he indecently assaulted her on an occasion between 1974 and 1976 when she was aged between seven and 10.

Lord Pentland told him: "Both of your victims, as one might expect, have suffered emotional damage as a result. A custodial sentence must be imposed to mark the gravity of your conduct."

Paterson, of Barton Terrace, Fauldhouse, in West Lothian, sexually assaulted the second girl on an occasion between 1972 and 1978 when she was aged between seven and 12.

He was originally charged with raping them, but earlier admitted reduced charges of indecent assault against them.

The two sisters only discovered that they were molested in childhood by the same abuser when they had a chat online.

One of the victims began suffering flashbacks in 2006 and went for counselling and after attending a session got in touch with her relative.

Advocate depute Gillian Wade told the court: "She describes the abuse coming to light when she was chatting to her sister online. She reported the matter to the police and was supported by her sister who provided a statement."

Mr McMenamin said at the time of the offences Paterson, also known as Brown, had been suffering physical abuse at the hands of his step-father.

He had then gone on to join the Army and enjoyed his time in the forces but developed an ulcer and was medically discharged.

The defence lawyer said Paterson felt "dirty" and "disgusted" by the sexual offences and sorry for the harm he has caused.

He said that during Paterson's period on remand in prison, while awaiting sentencing, he had been placed on suicide watch and given anti-depressants.