Paedophile lured girls as young as six into home with pets, hot tub and cinema room

A paedophile rapist lured girls as young as six into his home with pets, a hot tub and a cinema room.

Gary MacPherson was found guilty of 22 charges, including two of rape, against his victims, spanning the 16 years between 2005 and 2022.

MacPherson, of Saltcoats, kitted his home out with things that children enjoy, including a pool, a hot tub, a cinema room, a trampoline and various animals.

Prosecutors shared a screenshot showing social media messages he sent to one victim about his dog Bonnie.

“Bonnie asks is she can see you tomorrow?”, he wrote to her.

The court was told how MacPherson used his pets to gain his victims trust. copfs via Supplied

On Tuesday, the 58-year-old was jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of a catalogue of sex crimes at the High Court in Paisley in May.

The Procurator Fiscal for the High Court of Sexual Offences said that MacPherson had inflicted “unimaginable trauma” upon his victims.

The abuse was carried out at various locations, including MacPherson’s former home in Paisley.

Victims gave evidence detailing a pattern of offending behaviour as he tried to gain their trust.

The youngest child was six years old when the abuse began.

He told several of the victims not to tell anyone about the abuse, as it would get him into trouble.

The offending also included taking pictures of the girls without their consent and stalking behaviour.

‘Unimaginable trauma’

On Monday, at the High Court in Paisley, MacPherson was given a 17-year extended sentence with 13 years in custody.

His name has been added to the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Non-harassment orders, banning MacPherson from contacting or attempting to contact seven of the victims, were also granted for an indefinite period.

Fiona Kirkby, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: “Gary MacPherson inflicted unimaginable trauma as he systematically moved from victim to victim.

“The evidence led by our specialist prosecutor demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming behaviour that allowed him to gain access to these children.

“It is thanks to them reporting their experiences that MacPherson will now face the consequences of his depraved actions while also protecting others from harm.

“This prosecution sends a clear message to those who commit this type of offending – you cannot hide from justice, and we will do everything within our power to ensure you are held accountable.

“I would urge anyone affected by sexual abuse to report it, regardless of how long ago it took place. You will be listened to and supported as we seek to protect communities in Scotland by prosecuting those responsible.”

Police Scotland detective inspector Euan McMillan said: “MacPherson is an abusive individual who subjected his victims to a prolonged period of abuse showing an utter disregard for the impact this would have on them.

“We acknowledge how difficult it can be for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and I hope this outcome provides them with some sense of closure.

“I would also like to thank my team of officers whose perseverance and dedication has ensured MacPherson has been brought to justice.

“We continue to be committed to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice. Time is no barrier to our enquiries. I would urge anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime, regardless of when it happened, to contact us so we can conduct a thorough and professional investigation.”