AN INVERKEITHING man who raped a little girl and sexually assaulted another child over a 15 year period has been jailed.


Despicable Alan Lowey,60, abused the two children at various locations in Edinburgh between May 1974 and September 1989.  

He was handed a 10 year sentence following a hearing on Tuesday at the city's high court before temporary judge Paul Arthurson QC.

He was convicted last month of rape and sexual assault charges following a trial in which he denied his guilt. Sentence had been deferred for the court to obtain reports. 

A jury convicted Lowey of raping and sexually assaulting a little girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, on various occasions between September 1978 and September 1989. 

The infant was five-years-old when Lowey started abusing her. 

His second victim was just four when he started abusing her in May 1974. The abuse continued until September 1976.

The court heard Lowey was brought to justice after the women told police about their ordeal. 

On Tuesday, defence advocate Gary Allan QC told the court that his client still maintained he was innocent of all charges. 

Mr Allan asked judge Arthurson to show leniency. The lawyer said that if the accused were sent to prison, it would have a negative effect on his family's finances.

He added: "He has been industrious throughout his life and has always been in work. He is still technically employed although I do suspect that the disposal in this case will frustrate this state of affairs."

Judge Arthurson told Lowey that he had no other option but to send him to jail. 

He added: "You have been convicted of a number of serious sexual offences. Your conduct has been deplorable. 

"You have shown little insight into the effect that your behaviour has had on your victims. I am going to impose a custodial sentence."