Pensioner jailed for raping and sexually abusing ‘vulnerable’ girls

Harry Canning, 80, attacked his victims in Fife and Perth between 2010 and 2017.

Jenness Mitchell

7th Dec 2021

An 80-year-old man has been jailed for nine years for raping and sexually abusing two “vulnerable” girls.

Harry Canning attacked his victims in Fife and Perth between 2010 and 2017.

Police Scotland said he targeted the girls prior to them becoming teenagers and then continued his “prolonged sexual abuse” until they were both young adults.

Canning, who was convicted following a trial at the High Court in Livingston in October, was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for an indefinite period when he was sentenced on Tuesday.

Detectives from Fife Division Public Protection Unit launched an investigation into Canning in April 2019. He was subsequently arrested and charged one month later.

Following the court case, detective constable Alastair Gibson said: “Harry Canning subjected two vulnerable females to horrendous sexual abuse over a number of years.

“Canning is a predator who has refused to admit his guilt and shown no remorse for his actions.

“I would like to commend the victims for their courage throughout this investigation and trial.

“They finally have justice and I hope that this will help them moving forward.”

Anyone with information on sexual crime can contact Police Scotland on 101 or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.