A WEE COUNTY pensioner has been jailed after being convicted of sexually abusing two young girls.

Robert Johnstone, from Tillicoultry, was found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow of abusing one girl when she was aged between seven and 15.

The 84-year-old, whose offences took place 40 years ago, abused the second girl when she was aged between five and 12.

On Friday, August 14, Johnstone was jailed for two years at the conclusion of his trial.

The offences were committed at various addresses in Alloa between November 1972 and November 1981.

Judge Lady Rae told Johnstone: “These were terrible abuses towards two young children. I appreciate you are now 84 and have very significant mobility problems as well as health issues, however the effect on children, who have been abused, is lifelong and I don't detect any remorse from you.

“In fact you sat in the witness box and said each of your victims were liars.”

Defence counsel Lorraine Glancy said: “He gave evidence denying what he was convicted of, but has now admitted some of the abuse to a social worker."

Johnstone from the dock said he admitted sexually abusing one of his victims, but not the other.

Lady Rae also placed Johnstone on the sex offenders' register.

Detective Sergeant Forbes Wilson, of the Forth Valley Police Divisional Rape Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to commend these women for coming forward and speaking up about these horrific sexual crimes which happened when they were young girls.

“Johnstone preyed on these girls over a number of years. I hope that the sentencing today will go some way to helping them to put the ordeal behind them.

“We welcome the sentence handed out and Johnstone’s placement on the Sex Offenders Register which means that he will be subject to monitoring and supervision to restrict his ability to behave like this again.

“Police Scotland is committed to investigating all reports of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time. It is never too late to report what happened and we would urge anyone with information to contact us on 101, or make an anonymous call to the charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”

After the conviction, an NSPCC Scotland spokesperson told the Advertiser the impact on victims’ lives is huge.

They said: “Johnstone’s actions will have had a devastating, long lasting impact on his victims’ lives, but their bravery in speaking out has helped bring him to justice for his crimes.

“This case is a reminder that survivors of sexual abuse will be listened to, no matter how long ago it took place, and we hope his victims now get the help they need.

“NSPCC Scotland works to prevent abuse and neglect and anyone worried about a child or about past abuse can contact our helpline to report concerns.”

The NSPCC helpline is available for adults to contact confidentially for help and advice on issues including non-recent abuse on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk.