Former caretaker Ronald McMillan jailed over historic abuse of young boys in West Lothian

A former community centre caretaker has been jailed for ten years over a course of child sexual abuse undertaken whilst in a position of trust within his local community.

Ronald McMillan, now 79, used his employment and links within the local community to target and abuse young boys both at Fauldhouse community centre, and at his home.

During a trial at Livingston High Court, prosecutors from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) proved that McMillan abused his victims in similar ways and terrified them with threats of violence if they told anyone.

His sexual offending was committed during the 1970s, 1990s and continued until 2002. His offending escalated over this time to the use of force.

A jury heard that his victims – the youngest of whom was six when first abused – had been traumatised and experience long lasting and serious consequences.

At the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, McMillan, from Fauldhouse in West Lothian, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment.

His name was added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offending, Katrina Parkes said: “McMillan used his job and community links to target young boys at a place where they should have felt safe and manipulated others to visit him at home where he abused them.

“Prosecutors demonstrated evidence that he is guilty of an increasingly serious catalogue of sexual abuse over a lengthy period of time. The victims in this case have bravely told the court what happened to them as children.

“His offending affected many, who now live with the traumatic consequences of his actions. I would like to commend their bravery in coming forward, their strength has resulted in his conviction.

“COPFS prosecutors are committed to justice for victims of child sexual abuse, no matter how long ago the offences occurred.

“I urge any victims of similar crime to have confidence that time is no barrier. Please come forward, report it and seek support.”

Detective Inspector Beaumont from Police Scotland added: “The passage of time does not make these incidents any easier to talk about and we acknowledge how difficult this has been for McMillan’s victims. Our thoughts remain with them and I hope his sentencing gives them some peace of mind.

“His prison sentence should also reassure our communities of how committed we are to investigating all reports of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, no matter when these crimes took place. We are determined to bring those responsible to justice and urge anyone who has been the victim of any offence of this nature to contact police, knowing that our officers and partner agencies will fully support you.”