Former Labour councillor David Graham found guilty of sex offences against teenage girl

A former Labour councillor has been found guilty of sexual offences against a teenage girl over a seven-month period in 2023.

David Graham, 43, who represents the Buckhaven, Methil and Wemyss Villages ward in Fife Council, was convicted on Wednesday following a trial at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

According to the indictment, the offences involved sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 15.

The offences took place between February 11 and August 21, 2023, and were committed at a variety of locations in the Fife and Edinburgh areas.

He was suspended by Scottish Labour following the allegations.

Graham was found guilty of one charge under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 by a majority of the jury.

He is due to be sentenced on August 19.

Detective Inspector Graham Watson said: “Graham is a manipulative individual who groomed and sexually abused his teenage victim.

“He was well-known and in a position of power when the offending took place.

“I would like to thank the female for her assistance in bringing him to justice.

“We remain committed to investigating all reports of sexual crime and would encourage anyone affected to report it.

“Every report is taken seriously and will be fully investigated, no matter how much time has passed, with support from our specially trained officers and partner agencies.”

Fife Council leader David Ross said the revelations at the trial had been “truly shocking”.

The Labour councillor went on: “This is appalling behaviour by anyone, let alone an elected councillor – and the sentence will reflect the seriousness of this case. Our sympathies go out to the young person involved.

“It is impossible to express how badly David Graham has let down his colleagues and the people he was elected to represent.

“I expect him to be expelled from the Labour Party with immediate effect.”

A Labour spokesperson said: “The Party is taking immediate action to exclude David Graham from membership of the Labour Party following his conviction.“