Man convicted of 'appalling' sexual offences against women and girls

The 32-year-old was convicted of offences including domestic offending and possession of incident images.

Man convicted of ‘appalling’ sexual offences against women and girls over seven yearsPolice Scotland

A man has been convicted after pleading guilty to “appalling” sexual offences against women and girls in West Lothian.

John McKechnie pleaded guilty to 14 offences and has now been found guilty of a further two following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The 32-year-old was convicted of offences including domestic offending and possession of incident images of children between 2015 and 2022 in the West Lothian area.

Detective inspector Adrian Ure, National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “John McKechnie’s offending and behaviour was appalling.

“He showed complete and utter contempt for the abuse he inflicted upon his victims, and the horrific sexual abuse featuring in the images and videos he was viewing.

“There is no hiding place for these offenders, and as a result of our investigation, he will now rightly face the consequences of his actions.

“Any form of child sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and is a priority for Police Scotland.

“We encourage anyone with concerns about a child at risk of abuse, or a potential victim, to contact police immediately.”

McKechnie is due to be sentenced on June 27.

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