Scots paedophile extradited from Thailand jailed for sexually abusing young girls

A paedophile who was extradited from Thailand to face charges of historical child sexual abuse has been jailed.

John Martin, formerly of Haddington, East Lothian, was brought back to Scotland in December 2023 after a “disturbing and complex” investigation by Police Scotland.

The 74-year-old, who was living in Bangkok, stood trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court where he was found guilty of three charges on October 25.

The retired antiques dealer subjected two young girls to a campaign of sexual abuse lasting almost a decade between the mid-1980s and 1990s in the Perth and Kinross, Fife and East Lothian areas.

Martin was sentenced to three years and three months in prison and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

John Martin was arrested in Thailand by NCA officers. National Crime Agency

He has also been banned from contacting or attempting to contact his victims for a period of 20 years.

Lynne Barrie, procurator fiscal for Lothian and Borders, said: “John Martin is a sexual predator who preyed on vulnerable young girls over a number of years, inflicting significant trauma.

“It is thanks to their strength and courage in coming forward and reporting the abuse that he has now been brought to justice.

“COPFS is committed to securing justice for victims of sexual abuse, regardless of when the offences occurred.

“We will work with police, and international partners where necessary, to track down and prosecute those responsible.

“I would encourage anyone affected by similar offending to come forward and report it, no matter how much time has passed.   

“You will be listened to and supported, and we will use all the tools available to us to secure justice.”

Duncan Burrage, NCA Liaison Officer for Thailand, said: “John Martin thought he could base himself overseas and escape justice for his sex crimes against children in the UK.

“His arrest and return to Scotland to face these charges is down to the collective efforts of Police Scotland, NCA officers overseas, the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau and the Thai Office of the Attorney General.

“This case highlights the NCA’s determination to track down and bring to justice British child sex offenders, wherever they are in the world and however long it takes. We and our international partners will never stop looking for them.”

Police Scotland sergeant Richard Robson added: “This was a complex and disturbing case and it is right that John Martin now has to face the consequences of his disgraceful actions.

“My thoughts remain with the victims and their families, and coming forward proved significant in our enquiries. They have shown immense courage in reporting these crimes so that Martin can been held accountable for his actions. I hope that his sentencing gives them some comfort and closure.”