Man who raped and sexually assaulted children over 25 years jailed

A man who spent 25 years using his “power and influence” to sexually assault three young girls has been jailed.

Anand Moodley, 63, preyed on the children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, between February 1979 and January 2004.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard how Moodley abused the children in East Lothian and Midlothian.

The first offender, of Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, raped two of the children and subjected all three of his victims to other sexual assaults.

The story emerged after Moodley, who denied any wrongdoing, was convicted on charges of lewd, indecent libidinous conduct and rape.

Judge Lord Cubie told Moodley that he’d receive a “significant” prison sentence for his crimes.

He added: “You used your position of power and influence to carry out these crimes.

“These offences were malicious, and they will have long-term and debilitating effects on the complainers.

“The only sentence which the court will impose in the circumstances will be a significant period of imprisonment.”

A jury heard how sometime between February 1979 and February 1982, Moodley sexually assaulted his first victim, who was born in 1976. The assault took place at a location in East Lothian.

Moodley then raped the youngster twice at another address in the area between February 1982 and February 1984.

He then carried out a series of sexual assaults on another girl between November 1989 and November 1998 at an address in Midlothian.

Moodley started targeting his third victim at a house in Midlothian. The abuse took place between July 2001 and July 2004.

He was finally brought to justice after the complainers found the courage to speak to the police about their ordeals. Detectives managed to gather enough evidence against Moodley to bring him to justice.

In his closing speech to jurors, prosecutor Chris McKenna urged them to return guilty verdicts.

He said that one victim told the court that she was frightened when Moodley took her by the hand and led her into a bedroom during the abuse he perpetrated.

Another was able to describe where he kept his book of sexual positions, which she said he showed her during the abuse.

Mr Mckenna added: “All the sexual offences alleged to be committed by Anand Moodley are part of one course of criminal conduct pursued by him.”

Following the verdicts, Mr McKenna told the court that Moodley had no previous convictions.

He added: “The complainers have expressed a wish for the court to consider the imposition of non harassment orders.”

Defence advocate Andrew Crosbie told the court that his client accepted he would be sent to prison.

He added: “There’s only one sentence which can be imposed in the circumstances.

“No further motion from me is made.”

Lord Cubie remanded Moodley in custody and deferred sentence.

Moodley will be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on November 13, 2026.