‘A living hell’: mother of victim pleads for help in bid to keep child rapist from Inverness behind bars
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Brave victims of a vile sex beast from Inverness could help keep a man behind bars, says the mother of one of the children he attacked.
She has made a heart-breaking plea after being told Robert McGregor could be released from prison early.
The mother of one of his victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, says she knows it is difficult to admit to being abused and believes evidence at his trial suggests there are more victims.
But she says coming forward now could lead to the former Inverness delivery driver serving a longer prison term.
McGregor (39) is a convicted child rapist who filmed his abuse and created videos others could watch. He is due to appear before a parole board in May – and submissions ahead of the case must be made by February 2.
“It is a living hell,” the Inverness mum said. “We have been praying that he would not be considered suitable for parole, but now we know a hearing is to go ahead, we want the community in Inverness, where all his crimes were committed, to pull together.
“We started a petition last year, but we still want others to make their feelings known. I have no doubt that someone like McGregor – who goes out of their way to seem completely plausible, who weaves their way into your life – has attacked other victims.
“I feel angry, I feel violated and humiliated. I feel as though I did something wrong, but I would feel even worse if he was back out on the street in a few months’ time for all he has put my children through.”
He was sentenced to 10 years in jail at the High Court in Edinburgh in April 2017 – after he admitted his crimes.
After being on remand prior to his trial, he has served almost half his sentence making him, by law, entitled to a parole hearing.
McGregor, formerly of Friars Street, admitted six child sex offences at the High Court, which included three charges of raping three boys, sexually assaulting one youngster, making indecent photos of children and distributing or showing indecent photos.
His sex assaults spanned more than a decade between 2001 and 2014. His youngest victim was aged just three.
The child pornography offences took place between 2011 and March 2016.
The families of his victims have now received notification that a parole board hearing will be held on or after May 29 to assess his suitability for release at the halfway point in his jail term.
The rapist’s depraved behaviour finally came to light when he was caught with a cache of child pornography, which led police to identify three victims. More than 2000 indecent photos and 899 videos were recovered, many containing material at the most extreme level.
The petition – which has gained the support of almost 1400 people – is demanding that McGregor is not offered early release and the mother believes the case for this would be strengthened by more victims coming forward.
“We heard evidence in court that of the thousands of images he took of our children, some victims have still not been identified,” she said.
“Three known victims that could be identified at the time gave evidence against him, but we know from what was said in court there’s been several more from pictures and videos found on his computer.
“If anyone has any doubt about their dealings with this man, then I plead with them – one parent to another – come forward if you possibly can. We need to keep him off the streets.”
At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lady Carmichael said his offending was “of the most serious and appalling nature”.
During her sentencing, Lady Carmichael pointed out that the predator had formed relationships with families in order to gain access to children he then abused.
The judge said he should be kept under supervision for a further five years on release.
“I completely understand if victims cannot speak out,” the mother added. “But if you have a doubt at the back of your mind please, please speak to the police.
“I know from my experience that justice can help in the healing process. It is not easy, but in my case my children were carrying the burden for a long time, and did not want to hurt me. There is no greater hurt than keeping this vile man’s secret.”
The Parole Board said they would not comment on individual cases.
To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/the-scottish-criminal-justice-system-dangerous-paedophile-due-to-be-released
