Man who raped girl,10, jailed for seven years

A man who raped a 10-year-old girl and sexually assaulted a young boy has been sentenced to seven years in jail.

Ryan Brown, 35, attacked the girl who was in his care at a property in Drongan, East Ayrshire, between November 2019 and March 2020.

The court heard how Brown preyed on the boy when he was aged four to six at an unused railway station in Drongan between April 2011 and 2013.

During sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Lord Colbeck said each of Brown's offences occurred against children in his care, when he was in a position of trust.

'Position of trust'

The charge said Mr Brown caused his victims to participate in sexual activity.

Brown, from Drongan, was found guilty by a jury.

Judge Lord Colbeck said: "You deny the offences and accept no responsibility.

"I have to assess culpability in terms of these matters and I look at blameworthiness at the time.

"Each time you offended, it was against children in your care and you were in a position of trust.

"I have to assess the harm caused by you."

He said that from the girl's evidence, there was some psychological harm and trauma which persists today.

"There is no method of dealing with you other than a lengthy period in custody," the judge said.

"This is for punishment and the public's disapproval of your behaviour."

It was revealed that Brown had three similar convictions from 2007 and 2008.

However, he has never served jail time before or appeared at the High Court.

Gail Gianni, defending, told the hearing that that her client maintained his innocence.