Man who raped and sexually assaulted young girls in campaign of violence jailed for 15 years

A man who sexually abused three young girls in a “campaign of sexual violence” has been jailed for 15 years.

Former health and safety officer Robert Foulkes, 65, raped two of his victims and subjected a third to indecent conduct in a campaign of violence spanning 13 years.

A judge told Foulkes at the High Court in Edinburgh: “You pled guilty to three charges involving extremely serious sexual offending against young girls.”

Lord Young said that victim impact statements provided by two of those who suffered at his hands revealed the impact of his crimes on their health and education.

Lord Young told Foulkes he has shown “limited appreciation of the harm which you have caused”.

The judge said in sentencing Foulkes that he acknowledged he has significant health issues and was effectively a first offender.

He ordered that Foulkes should be under supervision for a further three years in the community following his jail sentence when he will be on licence and can be returned to prison if he breaches its conditions.

Lord Young told him that he would have faced an 18 year jail term but for his guilty pleas.

Foulkes, formerly of Aberdeen, admitted three sex offences when he appeared in court last month.

He pled guilty to subjecting his first victim to indecent behaviour between 2006 and 2010 in Aberdeenshire when she was aged between eight and 12.

Foulkes also admitted raping two other girls at addresses in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire between 2013 and 2018.

Advocate depute Brian Gill KC said that Foulkes told one of the victims that it was “their little secret”.

Defence counsel Neil Shand said that Foulkes advised him that the offending was connected with alcohol abuse on his part. He added: “He is genuinely remorseful for his behaviour.”

Lord Young made non harassment orders prohibiting Foulkes from contacting or attempting to contact victims for an indefinite period.

Foulkes was told he will be on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely following his sentencing.

Detective Inspector Bruce Buntain said: “Foulkes has admitted to a campaign of sexual violence over a significant period of time and it’s right he now faces the consequences of his despicable actions.

“I commend the strength of those involved in reporting his offending and throughout the court process. I hope the outcome will bring them justice as they continue to move forward with their lives.

“Police Scotland is committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible in front of the courts. I’d urge anyone who has been a victim, regardless of when it happened, to come forward and report it. We will fully investigate and you will be supported throughout by our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”