Former soldier raped vulnerable child he plied with alcohol and money

A former soldier has been jailed for eight years after plying a vulnerable girl with alcohol, cigarettes and money to exploit her for sexual abuse.

Michael Dow preyed on the child victim from when she was aged just eight at addresses in Fife and went on to rape her.

Dow, 51, formerly of Inverkeithing, in Fife, had denied a series of offences during an earlier trial but was convicted of three offences – two of indecent conduct towards the girl and one of sexually assaulting and raping her on multiple occasions.

The abuse began in 2004 and continued until 2011.

A judge told Dow: “The jury found you guilty of three charges comprising a course of serious sexual offending against the complainer.”

Lady Haldane said there was clear evidence that the victim was “a very vulnerable young child” who was offered alcohol, cigarettes and money by Dow as he got her to perform sex acts.

The judge said it was also clear that the effects of the abuse suffered by the victim at the hands of Dow were “profound and long-lasting”.

She said at the High Court in Edinburgh that Dow continued to deny the offences and spoke of the victim and her family in derogatory terms while a background report was prepared on him ahead of sentencing.

The judge said she was addressed on Dow’s lack of previous convictions, good work ethic and largely pro-social life.

But she told him: “The fact remains you have been convicted of a persistent course of sexual abuse of a young, vulnerable child over a lengthy period of time.”

Lady Haldane said he would be placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period following his sentencing for the sex crimes.

Dow, who followed the proceedings via a TV link to prison, was also told he would be subject to a non harassment order banning him from contacting or attempting to contact the victim for 15 years.

Defence solicitor advocate Gordon Martin told the court that there was no suggestion of offending by first offender Dow before or since the crimes.

Mr Martin said that Dow’s position was set out in the background report. He said: “It reflects his evidence in court, namely that he was not involved in this offending behaviour. He accepts the court has to deal with him on the basis of the jury’s verdict.”

He said Dow was of previous good character and served in the armed forces for five years.